Folk

(Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Jewel)

My Bubba and 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.

Music That Matters: KEXP

I fell in love with the series nearly two years ago during one of my lovely commutes to work for one simple reason - it brings you the most amazing variety of music just in time when you can no longer listen to the same songs you had on your iPod since 2000. Each podcast comes with a theme and a selection of sounds (from nearly every genre imaginable, with a slightly greater love for alternative and indie rock) put together by some of the greatest DJs from Northwest.

Tense Kids: Oh, Idaho!

Oh, Idaho! is a sweet and eclectic sounding compilation by three teens from Lexington, KY. Filled with 7 easy to listen and very diverse indie pop/rock, this debut compilation is a great listen. It features a great mix of indie pop vocals, quirky sounding vocals and pretty cool and catchy rhythm. Tense Kids is made up of Alex John and Joe Harbison. They're joined together by Eric Myers, Kyle Randall, Allen Shariaty, Dimitri Lozovoy and Aaron Graham. The group formed in late 2008 and spearheaded by Harbison, who also has several albums under his name. His songs are available for download here.

Gino Pertot: Jew Nails

There are bands who never get discovered and there are artists who create their art only for themselves. Gino Pertot belongs to that second group and so it should come with no surprise that his Austrian psych-folk album Jaw Nails have never hit the mainstream - that is until Golden Pavilion Records, which reissues rare and often overlooked late 60's and 70's psychedelic, progressive, acid-folk and art-rock music, came across this lost gem after more than 34 years. The album was privately pressed (with only 200 copies) in 1976 and mostly given into the hands of friends with sporadic give always at concerts. The Golden Pavilion Records call the Jaw Nails one of the rarest Austrian LPs, and it's music honest and spontaneous, crossing paths between fragile folk and psychedelic dark undertones with a touch of glam, expressive lyrics and fleeting guitar lines. And as a little tribute to the artist, Golden Pavilion has released a limited 600 copies of the album in black vinyl and an additional 100 copies in coloured golden brown vinyl. The digital version can be downloaded for free.

San Miguel: Primavera Sound Music 2011

Tents, amazing food, crazy outfits, dancing, drinking, and great music that turns thousands of people into your soon-to-be closest new friends; sounds like a ready-made vacation. And if you want to feel like a part of this summer music festival 'movement' be sure to check out the new mix from Primavera Sound. Since crossing into the new year the Primavera Festival already released its preliminary lineup for 2011, and as many of the artists also have some of their mp3s available on the Free Music Archive, Primavera Sound put together a little free album of what is coming up this year.

Intercontinental Music Lab: IIML Goes to War

The Intercontinental Music Lab has finally come out with their latest effort. A compilation of 14 tracks that combine folk, pop, rock, alternative, jazz and everything in between. Intercontinental Music Lab Goes to War is the latest effort from this experimental group. Basically, the group/organization has been around since 2008 and has released five previous albums. Each record revolves around a theme or concept, which musicians or groups can pick a subject from and create music about. It's much more detailed than that of course, but the result is nevertheless, an epic collaboration between musicians and artists. This is one great record to have by your side whether you're heading out to war or not.

Tsui’s Wreckage

This cool indie pop affair is Tsui's second compilation after the endearing Half Man Army was released back in 2007. This record is available in both physical CD formats and free download on the group's main website. It features 8 tracks that showcases beautiful indie pop with hints of acoustic guitars and melodic sequences. Formerly a member of indie folk group, Jr. Corduroy; Mark Kraus began to create music on his own. Writing and recording in bedrooms and various recording studios here and there. He creates pleasantly melodic cuts that are filled with catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics. Even though it's filled with simple songs, the album is easy to listen to and love.