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Various Artists: A People’s History of Bombed Out Records

A People's History of Bombed Out Records might seem like a mouthful but it's a fitting one as it chronicles the long and very diverse history of indie netlabel Bombed Out Records. The album puts together some of the best tracks released from their fences; making it an exciting fusion of rock, punk and indie that'll give you an idea what the label has to offer. All of the bands here have, at one time or another, been considered a band from Bombed Out. Some of them continue on while others have said their farewells.

The Dimes: The King Can Drink The Harbour Dry

The Dimes have revamped boring history classes into a pristine musical collection. Composed of Johnny Clay, Pierre Kaiser, Kelly Masigat, Ryan Johnston, Tucker Jackson, Anthony Powell and Matt Farina, this American folk-pop collective from Portland, Oregon has been likened to the old country charm and sixties pop sensibility. After their debut album Silent Generation which is based on old newspaper articles, The King Can Drink The Harbour Dry is another literary experimentation that offers a steady doze of early Boston history.

Vernon Lenoir: The Rites of Sausage

For times when all you need is a funky and quirky party album, pop over Vernon Lenoir's The Rites of Sausage and you should be good to go. This crazy party album mixes loud beats, 8-bit pixel goodness and a dose of remade pop culture. The super talented composer/ sampling-genius has released several compilations from various netlabels like UpItUp, VM Recordings, and Ego Twister. This time around, he ventures over to Chinstrap Records and unloads his genius samples via The Rites of Sausage. From the Macarena to Inspector Gadget, the record is a sure mix of funky goodness.

Rachel Ries: Without a Bird

Hailing from South Dakota, classically trained singer, pianist, violinist and violist, Rachel Ries astonishes with her brand of music. Although this album is a couple of years old, it's still worth listening to. Without a Bird is Rachel's second album and composed of a folk jazzy sound with beautiful lyrics. It first came out back in 2007 under Rachel's own So Dak Records. Her first album, For You Only, was initially released back in 2005 and was completely recorded in a vintage analog system. This second album was also done in analog, thus exuding a beautiful vintage feel. It's the type of songs you'll want to play at home on a laid back evening, relaxing and just taking in the moment.

You Me and Apollo: Cards with Cheats

For moments when all you need is a sweet voiced singer with his guitar serenading your quiet afternoon; You Me and Apollo should make really good company. The guy behind this sonic ensemble is Brent Cowles. A pastor's son from Fort Collins, Cowles started writing and creating songs at the age of 14. Thanks to an early start, he developed a beautiful sound that resonates with both quiet and upbeat tempos, mesmerizing vocal work and skillful guitars. Simplicity and intrigue are both present in his work, something that makes you want to tune out the world and simply tune in to his songs.

Captain Stu: Free Music EP

Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Captian Stu has been performing throughout the region ever since 2003. The five piece band brings us some of the most upbeat sounds I heard in a while and with the unique and highly addicting blend of ska, funk, punk, and just a touch of a fresh African flavor, their music will surely bring back all the wonderful days of summer that are slowly getting away. So go ahead and get yourself a little bit of sunshine infused beats of the released in August of 2010 Free Music EP. And yes, just as the title suggests it is yours to enjoy entirely free of charge.

Rockthedub presents The KhemLab

After two years since releasing their compilation, Offshore Drilling (not to the mention scores of praise and acclaim they got for it) The KhemLab is now back with their latest compilation. The Khemlab is essentially a collective of young, up-and-coming, talented MCs gathering together to create one explosive compilation. For their first collaboration, they utilized Kid Hum's instrumental record, Fossil Fuel as the back bone. This time around, the group conjures up original beats as well as a couple of sample cuts from "Diamond District and DJ Concept & DJ Mickey Knox' BYOP EP" to create this stunning piece of hip hop album worth hearing.

The New Mystikal Troubadours: Second Spring

Made up of duo, Dave Gibson and Matt Persinzki; The New Mysitkal Troubadours will help complete your relaxing afternoon with its trippy and soothing folk sound. Second Spring is the second compilation from this Baltimore, Maryland duo.Their first self-titled album was released back in 2009 and garnered a positive response as well. Much like their first, this second album is mostly comprised of weird stringed instruments, trippy vocals and lovely (almost undecipherable) melodies.

The Upstairs: Ku Nobatkan Jadi Fantasi EP

Music is universal. Sometimes you don't need to understand or know a language just to appreciate a song. Take the Indonesian band The Upstairs' debut EP, Ku Nobatkan Jadi Fantasi; just one listen and you'll adore the hipster new wave album even if you have no clue what they're singing about. This album is released under Yes No Wave record and is available for free download under a Creative Commons license. Mixing punk, dance, new wave and plenty of fun, the band released the record in celebration of Jakarta's Independence Day. It served as a present to their fans especially the ones that have been by the band's side since they first started.