Folk

(Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Jewel)

Paper Tiger: Everyone Here

Paper Tiger is made up of two Dutch guys who have a penchant for creating upbeat, fun, acoustic indie pop songs deserving of a listen. This is the boys debut compilation and it was released under New Zealand netlabel (and home to glorious indie folk pop,) Beep Beep Back The Truck Up! Although the duo, Chris (Regtop) and Témy (Phem), have been friends since they were young; it wasn't until the last several years and after stints in punk as well as indie bands, did they decide to pursue their passion for indie pop with Paper Tiger. Together, they write songs about mundane things in life; accompanying it with gorgeous melodies and sometimes quirky lyrics.

Telepathic Teddy Bear: Reactions

Reactions is one of those records you can put on in a cool house party and leave it playing for a good long time. It's filled with both fun and energetic dance beats as well as quiet electronic pop songs. Telepathic Teddy Bear is actually the pet project of Juan Carlos Padilla; a Mexican singer-songwriter from Monterrey, Nuevo León but currently based in Boston. The artist has been active in the local Monterrey music scene for some time but it wasn't until late 2010 where he finally managed to release his first EP under the moniker. Reactions is his first full length album. It's a wonderful mix of pop, electronica and indiepop meant for casual listening.

Archipelago: Have Here

What started as a post college project has become a full blown musical endeavor for Archipelago founder, Peter Naddeo. Born in the Appalachian trail of Blue Mountain, the singer/songwriter is currently doing double duties for several bands. Most notably, he plays guitar for indie folk pop group, Laura and the Cans. Have Here is the eighth release from the collective. Their ability to change things up is providing a whole new landscape of sound in their compilations; garnering positive results from musicians and fans alike. Some of their previous releases include Teenage Suicide Notes, Paper Trails EP, Hollow Bones EP, and Coasting to name a few.

My Bubba & Mi: Wild & You

Back with another lovely and sweet compilation, My Bubba & Mi just recently released a 5-track EP, Wild & You. Coated with beautiful folk melodies that the girls are known for, this mini-EP is filled with delightful cuts perfect for quiet and relaxing afternoons. The group is actually a trio, formed by three ladies who have a knack for creating some of the most gorgeous folk lullabies to serenade your ears. Their first full length album, How It's Done in Italy, was featured here in Frostclick a couple of months back. Their sound has gained a positive response from the listeners who have taken a liking to the band's self-dubbed "lullabies from the countryside."

Carrie Ryan: This Road

Listening to a Carrie Ryan record makes you want to rush over to a poppy field overlooking a beautiful scenery and stay there enjoying the wonders of nature. This Road is the first full length record from Ryan. She wrote and recorded all of the songs while still in high school. Much of the songs are about her personal experiences, about people and events around her. This 9-track compilation is filled with acoustic folk songs that resonate with Ryan's endearing, angelic voice. Her voice is surprisingly mature and you wouldn't even think that she recorded this at such a young age.

Music for Dead Birds : HONEY

When moody, somber music is what you need for the day, take a listen to Music for Dead Birds. They're brand of quiet "anti-folk" is a great soundtrack to those dusky skies and gloomy rainy days. The duo is made up of Jimmy Monaghan and Donald Walsh. They first got together back in 2007 and recorded various home recordings during this period. Thanks to this, they managed to win a spot to perform at the Róisín Dubh, which is a popular live music venue in Galway, Ireland. HONEY is the band's latest release and a compilation of all the songs that never made the final cut from their previous releases.

Eva & Manu: Still Traveling EP

There are times when all you need to make you happy is a van, musical instruments, the wonderful English countryside and a sense of adventure. Still Traveling EP by Eva & Manu is a beautiful example of what happens when you drop everything and go on a road trip across Europe, helping people on the way while creating wonderful music. This amazing duo is currently criss-crossing Europe, spreading and playing their music for small villages and anyone who is willing to listen. Their sound is a blend of hypnotic folk with beautiful melodies that suits the tranquil countryside. This is the first EP from the twosome and they're using their experiences during travel to create songs and compile a full album.

Helicopters: The Honey and the Hiss

Helicopters is a band that might just be your next big favorite, that is, if you're into electronic pop, crisp sounding guitars and some trippy airy vocals. Made up of Jason Caldeira, Brian Fifield and Dave Moran, the band is proud to admit that everything about them and their process is completely indie; from the songwriting, recording, producing and promoting their records, it's all just the three of them. Honey and the Hiss is the group's 5th full length album and released under the boys own label, FlyCasual Records.

Coast Jumper: Grand Opening

Moody and hypnotic, those two words best describe this debut album from San Francisco based band, Coast Jumper. The record is a haven of lush sounds, interesting vocals, and slightly electronic alternative vibe. This is the group's first album ever and yet they're exuding confidence like seasoned veterans of the music scene. Although there's not much about the band online, it's enough to know that these guys play hauntingly beautiful music. Their sound is reminiscent of a mellow Vampire Weekend complete with injections of fun and energetic moments here and there.