Pop

Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilera, Destiny’s Child, Elton John

JoJo: Can’t Take That Away From Me

The once young JoJo is now a woman and she proves it in her beautifully composed and executed album, Can’t Take That Away From Me. Exclusively released last September 2010 to Rap-Up.com, this free mixtape is a prelude to the singer’s third album formerly entitled All I Want Is Everything. The said album was then released as Jumping Trains under BlackGround records due to a misunderstanding with the songbird’s former record label.

Oh!Hello: Spooky

Oh!Hello's follow-up to their delightful EP Beachy, is a curious thing. Originally a solo project, this Portland, Oregon band is composed of frontman Michael Todd Berland, Jordan Strickland and Nate Morse. They have already collaborated with other NW bands such as Grifflin Taylor (Faire du Surf) and Ed Hanson (Greate Horned Owl). Their latest set Spooky is a seven-track album released last October 27 and recorded under Vampire Factory.

Born Without Bones: Say Hello

Born Without Bones is a laid back indie power pop band that you'll find hanging around Milford, MA. Say Hello is the first album for the band and it's a compilation that pretty much expands on the power pop/emo rock phase that most bands seemed to be stuck in for awhile. The album features 12 tracks that run the gamut of punk, acoustic pop, and a bit of indie rock. I'm gonna put it out there that if you dislike power pop or anthemic highschool emo rock, then you best stay away. But if you live for this stuff, keep reading and you just might find a gem in this record.

Snowmine: Laminate Pet Animal

Seldom do you encounter a band that has a distinct music palette, but Snowmine delivers more than that. Released last May 3, Laminate Pet Animal is made up of nine genre-bending tracks that live up to the band's eclectic music. Hailing from Brooklyn, the five piece collective composed of Grayson Sanders, Austin Mendenhall, Alex Beckmann, Jay Goodman and Calvin Pia have captured the attention of culture bloggers with their beautifully-arranged music. The kind of music that reminds you of The Smiths and the Yeasayer.

Goodbye Kumiko: My Wild Arms

What is there to say about Goodbye Kumiko? Well maybe the fact that there is nearly nothing I could find on the artists standing behind the album... So let the music speak for itself. My Wild Arms is a wonderful collection of ten tracks, each with it's own flavor. They come in all shapes and sizes and range from the Beatlelesque cuts to chamber-pop sounds with some dream like instrumental and piano additions. The album, recorded in Philadelphia with Bill Moriarty (Man Man, Dr. Dog, et al), is currently offered as a pay what you want/free download from the bands' Bandcamp website, so enjoy every bit of its wonderful chill out sounds.

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.

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.

Giraffe: There Is No Devil

Carrying the moniker, Giraffe for this record, James Gardner releases his second compilation: There is No Devil. The album is a lush collection of folk, country alternative that's perfect for fans of artists like Bon Iver or similar soft folk singers. The songs resonate with acoustic guitars, beautiful singing and a catchy (sometimes odd) melody fit for most folk lovers. It's an album that could serve as a worthy background to a laid back afternoon where you just want some simple but engaging music to keep you company.