Folk

(Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Jewel)

Monk Turner + Fascinoma: In case of an emergency

EMERGENCY SONGS is a beautifully arranged, new concept album from Monk Turner and singer/lyricist Fascinoma (Allana Lin) from Los Angeles, California. Together they bring us 12 wonderful songs filled with a variety of musical flavors and lovely vocals that, even if the music itself gets a little rough, maintains its composure; a very character attribute that could turn to be a critical factor in surviving a major disaster (the theme of the album). The album itself is conceived to awake the imagination of its listeners through both song and story as a massive earthquake is heading straight for LA! And so the lyrics take us on a 35 minute journey through all the phases of the crisis, "from pre-quake boredom, to post-quake freeway BBQ".

Juanitos: Soul Africa

Juanitos first showed up on our blog all the way back in June 2009. And now with more of great albums under its belt (including over 400 concerts and hundreds of thousands of downloads – if not more) I thought it might be a right time for a little re-introduction; especially that after our crazy winter I’m sure we are all in need of some ‘summer night party’ sounds.

Snowstar Records Compilation

Snowstar Records is a Dutch indie label that has been releasing some of the best new bands in their part of the globe since 2003. Several bands that belong in the label's lineup include I am Oak , The Subhuman, The Secret Love Parade and Grapes of Grain, just to name a few. To celebrate their 15th release, the label decided to compile some of the best tracks from their roster into one great thank-you album for their fans and supporters. The Snowstar Records Compilation features 10 cool tracks that hint at indie, folk, rock and even instrumental music.

Sleeping Sky: Remind the Past

Acoustic folk pop duo that makes you want to grab your pillow or cuddle up to the nearest couch. Sleeping Sky is a German based folk duo comprised of Desiree on vocals and Corinna on guitars. The duo creates dreamy and relaxing acoustic pop that will surely make you melt. Remind the Past is the duo's third release.

Dilly Dilly: Of Art and Intention

The voice and face behind Dilly Dilly is actually Erin Olivia Davidson. This talented artist hails from Maine and is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist as well as vocalist. Of Art and Intention is the first full length compilation for the artist and comprises of weird instruments, indie pop beats and Dilly Dilly's ukulele. The sound is eclectic but happy; definitely perfect for a goofy and quirky day. Throughout her musical career, Erin has played in countless bands, both as a musician and collaborator. She released her EP, akidleadivy, and took up the moniker, Dilly Dilly. It was released somewhere between 2005-2006 after Erin's hiatus with her band Cerberus Shoal. Currently, Dilly Dilly has released this debut by experimenting with various instruments as well as using a MIDI. The result is a cute and fun album that's poised to be the soundtrack to plenty of happy times.

Big Blood: Dark Country Magic

Big Blood has had a rich history. They have released a total of 9 full albums in their career as a group. Their latest record, Dark Country Magic, compiles 12 amazing tracks that exude that wonderfully psychedelic yet vibrant atmosphere. The raw and DIY quality of the tracks are lovely and very engaging. It's certainly worth checking out. Big Blood is made up of Colleen Kinsella and Caleb Mulkerin, which are also from Cerberus Shoal and Fire on Fire. The duo perfectly creates tracks that exude a hauntingly folkish and ethereal vibe. It's certainly an album worthy of a place in your everyday playlist. Go ahead and help out the band by purchasing their album. It's available in CD and Vinyl formats. Alternatively, it's also offered as a free download here and FMA. Give it a go.

Backwords: The Buffalo Still Roam

Backwords is a Brooklyn based band that combines psychedelic 60s rock with folk music. The end result is an eclectic, melancholic mix that simply sounds amazing. The Buffalo Still Roam is their sophomore release. They also released a third album, Quilt, which is available for purchase in limited edition Vinyl format. For this second effort, it's available for free download on the group's website. It includes 8 tracks that are filled with plenty of personality, great vocal work and nothing short of fantastic cuts. The lo-fi quality of the record actually adds to its beauty, allowing listeners to get lost in the warm melodies. Right now, the group is busy promoting their new record as well as performing live shows and gigs in and around New York.

Cecada: Fog at Midnight

Cecada's debut EP, Fog at Midnight, resonates romance with their moody indie tracks. It's a mixture of quiet solitude and mystery that makes you want to relax yet be on your guard. Cecada hails from Tulsa, Oklahoma and was formed back in 2007. This six track EP is filled with evocative sound that combines dark folk, indie pop and even silent dreamy shoegaze rock. Fog at Midnight successfully mixes a variety of musical genres without really losing the album's identity. The band is made up of Brian Rawson, Dougal Hansen, Micah Clopton, David Council, Andrew Bones and Mark Kuykendall.

My Bubba & Mi: How it’s done in Italy

Probably one of the best folk record released for the year. The beautiful sound of My Bubba & Mi originate from three lovely ladies from Denmark. All three of them carry their instruments and create some of the loveliest, melodic, folk tracks you will ever hear. It might sound like an overstatement, but if you adore relaxing folk music, then this is a must have record. By coincidence or fate, My Bubba and Mia, became roommates in Copenhagen. They discovered each other's passion for music as they spent the many months together. Sharing laughters, singing and practicing. An invitation to head for Italy knocked on their doors; soon enough the girls found themselves heading home with a record on hand. Truly a wonderful album to listen to. It's hard to imagine why this is being offered for free but I'm not complaining. Awesome download right here.