Folk

(Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Jewel)

Medelia: Light Breaks Where No Sun Shines

Straight from the heart of Madrid, Spain comes a timeless sound of two beautifully intertwined vocal lines, mesmerizing melodies full of rich acoustic guitars, violin, keyboards, bass, added drums, and the magical softness that only comes with the best of indie music. Light Breaks Where No Sun Shines by Medelia is said to create a unique place somewhere halfway between the world of literature and the world of music. It started in the late 2009 as a project of Elia Medel and Pablo Maqueda who teamed up with Pablo Oliva (keyboards), José Luis Luna (bass), Luis de Diego (drums), and Heidi Buffington (violin) to bring us their very first, self-produced EP.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith: A Collector’s Guidebook

Mr. & Mrs. Smith is not a spy duo making music on the side, it's actually the pet project of model and songwriter, Hollis Smith. The album is a very low key folk record that's perfect for bundling up beside the fireplace on a cold, winter day. This 10 track album is only one of several compilations already released by the artist. Although the songs are quite simple, there's a certain mysterious aura that circles most of the tracks. It's this beauty that makes the album worth listening to over and over again. Play it as background music as you read or as you work, it's certainly a wonderful piece to complement your day.

Gunther Brown: Gunther Brown

Gunther Brown and his songs belong to some indie coming-of-age movie or television series soundtrack. It's not just the expressive voice but the acoustic electro sound as well as the melodic vibe definitely makes this one an A++ indie folk pop record. More often than not, you'll see Gunther Brown as a duo comprised of Pete Dubuc and Evan Chase. Occasionally, they do transform into a 5 piece crew, with Eric Heintz, Ethan Gamage, Derek Mills and Chris Devlin as additional members. This self-titled compilation is a collection of EPs and singles the band has released in their previous records.

EllusBellus: Sticks, Stones & My Bones

Combining folk, acoustic and pop in a beautiful, melodic album takes a lot. However, EllusBellus manages to breeze through it without much trouble. The Chicago duo have been around for a couple of years; carefully crafting their brand of fun, folk pop music that brings to mind wonderful summertime afternoons. Sticks, Stones & My Bones is their latest offering. It features 6 tracks that range from slow, melodic goodness to upbeat and fun pop beats. It's one of those records you could play as a summer soundtrack as you frolic on the beach with friends, go biking around the neighborhood or simply relax in the park.

Emerald Park: For Tomorrow (2010 Edition)

For Tomorrow is one of those records that you find online and you think to yourself, "is this really free?" Listening to the quality of the recording as well as the music might make you think twice but it is available as a free download so listeners can enjoy this amazing folk pop compilation from this Swedish group. Emerald Park is made up of Tobias Borelius, Martina Johansson, Frans af Schmidt, Mats Andreasson, and Mikael Eskilsson. The band formed back in 2001 and started off as a seven piece crew. Things didn't go according to plan and lineups were changed. Now, the group is back as a five piece along with a new netlabel, 23 Seconds. They re-released For Tomorrow; an album filled with lush melodies and catchy choruses that will certainly brighten up your day.

My Foolish Heart: Sootiness, Sonsy Girl

My Foolish Heart is a beautiful acoustic, alternative pop rock duo that was initially formed back in 2007. They started out doing covers of anything from Buddy Holly to Britney's Toxic and now they've finally branched out to release their own tracks. Sootiness, Sonsy Girl is their latest compilation. It's a beautiful mixture of melodies, acoustic guitars, vocal harmonies that's intertwined with a reflective, laid-back mood. Most of the songs were recorded with as minimal use of technology as possible. Opting instead for a cleaner, more raw performance by playing instruments that resound with an orchestra feel rather than electronics. Certainly, a nice album to retreat to.

Jumy: Every day is the First Day

This set is a collection of acoustic folk pop songs from Frenchman, jumy. Every Day is the First Day mixes masterful guitar strumming with southern harmonica and some peppy tune. It reminds me of a quiet summer getaway where you just sit down with friends, sing along and play guitar. Nice relaxing sounds. This the second release from the artist. His first album, de bric et de broc, is also a compilation of folk pop songs played in his beautifully embellished guitar and recorded in his makeshift home studio. The album is available as a free download on Jamendo and licensed under a creative commons license.

John Vanderslice: Green Grow The Rushes

John Vanderslice is an American singer/songwriter that has quite a repertoire. He's been in various bands starting from the 1990s. Ever since he decided to take the solo flight, he's released a great number of albums and singles. Some of which are available for free download, like this one. Green Grow The Rushes is a 6-track mini compilation that's packed with upbeat, whimsical folk pop songs. It's a beautiful record that's a bit more reflective and personal compared to his other works. Since his first solo debut, Mass Suicide Occult Figurines, where he gained some attention for one single, Bill Gates Must Die; the singer has moved on to other topics. He still has that spark though. His songs are infused with a certain enigma that most musicians simply cannot find. Take a listen.

Friction!: If You Turn Around You’ll See Me

Looking for the perfect background music to spend your quiet, moody mornings to? Give Friction! a try. The group is actually a one-man band composed of Swedish native, Pierre Björklund. The artist sings, writes, records and produces his own music. Currently, he's associated and signed onto Bakery Allstars Inc.; a non-profit organization that aims to release and share music, art or films to anybody who wants it. If You Turn Around You'll See Me is a moody, atmospheric album that's filled with piano laced tracks. It's perfect if you feel like relaxing or maybe reflecting on some of the more serious things in life. The compilation is offered free on Jamendo but you can also purchase the singles on iTunes to support the singer.