Alternative Pop

(live, REM, Sheryl Crow)

Sweet Mother Logic

Valerie
Sweet Mother Logic is an experimental indie instrumental quartet hailing from Montreal. The crew is made up of Justin Wright, Eric Kaplin, Jack D. Kelly and Adrian Aitken. Their instrumental sound leaps across genres creating a rich combination of instruments and sounds. With this self-titled album they explore the fields generating, pop, rock, electronic, ambient (even a hint of dance) in the thick layers of their music. So far, the group has been around for four years, creating a sound that is unique, intriguing and certainly entertaining. Give their album a go and check out their previous EP as well.
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The Arbiters: Wake Up Dragons

Valerie
The Arbiters create cool indie alternative rock music with a touch of electronica. The recording is slightly raw but filled very intense energy that you could almost feel as if it's bouncing around the walls. The group sings songs in both English and Russian and they borrow elements from other genres other than indie rock. Wake Up Dragons is the first full length debut for the group. They did release a single titled 'Solo" and made it available for sale on both iTunes and Amazon. For this complete compilation, listeners have the option to buy it from the same iTunes, Amazon or simply download it for free right here or on Jamendo. Give this group a listen.
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Flat People: Flat People

Valerie
Even though they call themselves the Flat People, it doesn't exactly mean that their music is "flat." In fact, it's quite the opposite. The group creates lovely upbeat, indie pop rock that's reminiscent of a more indie infused Beach Boys. Spearheaded by Dallas native, Bob Guittard; the group was first setup back in 2002. After several lineup changes and quite a few recording session, the group finally settled on their current lineup and released this self-titled record. The compilation is equipped with 12 tracks that are worth checking out. Give this album a download. It's under creative commons and offered absolutely free.
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Mercury in Summer: I Believe

Valerie
Before anything else, Mercury in Summer is definitely a pop group (at least for me.) They create pop music that makes me think of The Click Five. Don't expect to hear rock and roll here. Although you might expect a mix of certain genres, they dominantly sing power pop rock tunes. Now that that's out of the way, the group's record, I Believe, is actually quite good. The production values are really professional and no doubt these guys are quite talented. Made up of Brian Jones - Bass/Vocals, Richard Wynne - Guitar/Vocals and Brendan McCusker - Drums/Vocals; these DC natives create energy filled, high quality pop music that is catchy and infused with wonderful melodies. This is the group's first compilation and it seems they found their niche. It's a cool record to check out.
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KAMP!: Thales One

Natalie
KAMP!, an electronic pop trio formed in 2007 in Lodz, Poland (although the paths of its members crossed years earlier) brings us an amazing mix of melodic synth-pop with influences ranging from 80s new wave to 90s french house and musicians such as David Bowie, Daft Punk, Royksopp, etc. In 2009 the band released their first EP titled "Thales One" through netlabel Brennnssel, and only a year later came another great addition of "Breaking a Ghost's Heart" (which includes one of my favorite songs). Since both of the releases are too good to miss (for all of you who love vintage disco, synth + electronic pop with an addition of some great vocals).
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Superhumanoids: Urgency

Natalie
I don't know if it was the band's name or ... well in matter of fact it was only the name that made me take the couple of minutes out of my daily routine and check out the band's official website - and what a well spent couple of minutes it was!! Superhumanoids make a truly amazing sounding dreamy pop (with quality comparable to some of the top chart performers); so go and lift your spirits with music that "shouts summery '60s harmonies, garage rock's raw tonality, slick new-wave electronics, and the adventurous dissonance of '90s indie rock." The Los Angeles based foursome, Sarah Chernoff, Cameron Parkins, Max St. John and Evan Weinerman, already appeared in Nylon Magazine and MTV Music Meter, been featured as a New Band of the Day in Guardian's Culture section, and one of my favorites websites, Cool Hunting (just to name a few from a long list of all the other magazines and blogs that got to the band - sadly - before me).
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Very Okay: Small Loud

Valerie
Very Okay is one of the latest bands hosted by indie donation based netlabel, Quote Unquote Records. This Brooklyn based group is made up of members coming from several prominent indie rock bands in the area. Together, they create upbeat indie pop rock with hints of punk. Small Loud is a short compilation that rushes through 6 punchy fast pop tracks. The record is a burst of upbeat instruments, sweet lyrics, great vocal work, as well as fast rhythms. It's a short but excellent record that's filled with fun times. Give the album a download and don't forget to give a little something for the band if you like it.
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Icon Girl Pistols: Crushed Beneath The Wheels

Valerie
Icon Girl Pistols is actually a four piece band based in Japan. They sing rock, indie and alternative songs and release about one track per month for free download. If you are not a fan of Japanese rock bands or simply can't appreciate it, then you best stay away. and check the other posts. However, if like me, you've grown up fascinated with almost anything Japanese, including Dragonball and Pokémon, then this record is quite a treat. Each track is fun to listen to and definitely worth checking out and downloading. All of their records so far, including this one, Crushed Beneath the Wheels, are available for free download on their website or Jamendo.
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