Pop

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

On Returning: A Touch of the Top of the World by

Playing retro alternative indie pop, On Returning, makes certain that people never forget the good old 80s. A Touch of the Top of the World is the group's first major compilation following a short EP release. Their characteristic 80s sounding alternative pop is very much alive and showcased in this record that it'll be hard for people who love the decade to not like this album. Compiling 9 upbeat retro electronica sounding pop in one record, A Touch of the Top of the World, resonates with the same aesthetic as songs from their previous and recent releases. It contains lovely, uptempo indie alternative rock with an 80s synth touch here and there. If you're a big fan of The Cure or maybe yearned for a more rockish Pet Shop Boys, then this record will make you happy.

Singing In The Abbey: Winter Demos 2011

On their Facebook page, Chicago band Singing In The Abbey describe their sound as Thom Yorke meets Julie Andrews. I can see where they are coming from. On Winter Demos there is a dramatic theatrical flair that is balanced by the strings and indie pop structure. Annie Higgins plays piano and sings; she has put this band together centered around her piano and songs and is joined by Donna Milleron on cello and vocals, Katie Cooperon on violin and vocals and the lone guy, Jason Toth on percussion.

AXMusique: Second. The Same

AXMusique are two producers from Poland; on stage, however, they are three: vocals, programming and drums. With already three releases under the watchful eye of Brennessel Netlabel, Second. The same., their second album, oscillates between the genres filling it's fans with block rockin' electro and distorted guitars packed into a pop scheme full of powerful vocal parts. So if what you are looking for is a danceable electro pop rock album with lots of catchy refrains, look no further.

Boca Chica

Boca Chica is definitely a dynamic band. Why dynamic? It had more than 40 different members since it's inception (currently including Hallie Pritts, Susanna Meyer, J. Vega, Ricky Moslen, James Hart, and Kraig Decker). Yet it's catchy lyrics and instrumentation, which take us on a unforgettable journey into the land of modern indie pop, have placed the band among the definite favorites in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and brought in many new fans from the infinite lands of the Internet. Their latest 3-track release with a EardrumsPop Netlabel is a beautiful collection of sounds for all those warm relaxing evenings ahead.

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.

Trench Town Oddities: Days & Nights

There are times when all you need is good old acoustic pop rock to help make your day right. Trench Town Oddities is a five piece crew than can provide you with some feel-good, relaxing folk pop music you'll enjoy. This 5 piece crew have been together since 2006; releasing several EPs so far, one of which is a Christmas EP. This Cornwall band not only record their own songs, they are also a party band. Playing cover songs from various artists like Jack Johnson, Sublime and even fellow Canadian, Alanis Morissette; the band is slowly gaining ground on their local hometown. Days & Nights is a 6-track EP of the band's own songs. The cuts are light and fun to listen to if you simply don't want to think about anything else other than having a good time.

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.

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.