Pop

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

Emerald Park: For Tomorrow (2010 Edition)

Valerie
For Tomorrow is one of those records that you find online and you think to yourself, "is this really free?" Listening to the quality of the recording as well as the music might make you think twice but it is available as a free download so listeners can enjoy this amazing folk pop compilation from this Swedish group. Emerald Park is made up of Tobias Borelius, Martina Johansson, Frans af Schmidt, Mats Andreasson, and Mikael Eskilsson. The band formed back in 2001 and started off as a seven piece crew. Things didn't go according to plan and lineups were changed. Now, the group is back as a five piece along with a new netlabel, 23 Seconds. They re-released For Tomorrow; an album filled with lush melodies and catchy choruses that will certainly brighten up your day.
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My Foolish Heart: Sootiness, Sonsy Girl

Valerie
My Foolish Heart is a beautiful acoustic, alternative pop rock duo that was initially formed back in 2007. They started out doing covers of anything from Buddy Holly to Britney's Toxic and now they've finally branched out to release their own tracks. Sootiness, Sonsy Girl is their latest compilation. It's a beautiful mixture of melodies, acoustic guitars, vocal harmonies that's intertwined with a reflective, laid-back mood. Most of the songs were recorded with as minimal use of technology as possible. Opting instead for a cleaner, more raw performance by playing instruments that resound with an orchestra feel rather than electronics. Certainly, a nice album to retreat to.
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JDH: Arms Legs Feet

Natalie
JDH is a solo electronic indie pop project straight from Vancouver. In real life JDH is Johnny Dylan Hughes, more than just a talented musician whose latest beautifully put together creation, Arms Legs Feet, took close to four years to polish and perfect before its official release. The album, recorded at JDH's house and Buena Vista Audio in Langley, BC from 2005 to 2009, came to life as a product of the near-death experiences and trials and its songs, filled with soulful lyrics, hypnotic shoegaze guitars, and more than hopeful synth leads, are there to fill your day with magical beats.
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John Vanderslice: Green Grow The Rushes

Valerie
John Vanderslice is an American singer/songwriter that has quite a repertoire. He's been in various bands starting from the 1990s. Ever since he decided to take the solo flight, he's released a great number of albums and singles. Some of which are available for free download, like this one. Green Grow The Rushes is a 6-track mini compilation that's packed with upbeat, whimsical folk pop songs. It's a beautiful record that's a bit more reflective and personal compared to his other works. Since his first solo debut, Mass Suicide Occult Figurines, where he gained some attention for one single, Bill Gates Must Die; the singer has moved on to other topics. He still has that spark though. His songs are infused with a certain enigma that most musicians simply cannot find. Take a listen.
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Friction!: If You Turn Around You’ll See Me

Valerie
Looking for the perfect background music to spend your quiet, moody mornings to? Give Friction! a try. The group is actually a one-man band composed of Swedish native, Pierre Björklund. The artist sings, writes, records and produces his own music. Currently, he's associated and signed onto Bakery Allstars Inc.; a non-profit organization that aims to release and share music, art or films to anybody who wants it. If You Turn Around You'll See Me is a moody, atmospheric album that's filled with piano laced tracks. It's perfect if you feel like relaxing or maybe reflecting on some of the more serious things in life. The compilation is offered free on Jamendo but you can also purchase the singles on iTunes to support the singer.
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Cassis Orange – Cassis Orange EP

Dedicated Ears
Cassis Orange is a one woman ectro-pop act by North Carolina native Autumn Ethinger. She lived in Japan for a while hence the name Cassies Orange which is an Japanese alcoholic drink. Cassis Orange EP is hook laden pop sung in a straight forward manner. She uses a plain synth and drum machine that may seem cheesy were it not for her strong vocals and songwriting. There's a certain charm to how it goes together. Casssis Orange is on North Carolina based label Grip Tapes that has quite a few acts worth checking out.
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Infant Color: Infant Color EP

Valerie
This self titled debut EP from Infant Color reverberates with an 80s sound accompanied with tons of electronica and pop. The EP was originally released under Beat is Murder's free music section. Infant Color EP gathers together six tracks that would transport you back in time, to when Morrissey was big and Duran Duran was among your top favorite bands. Although it's not all 80s nostalgia, the compilation does echo this sentiment quite a bit. The EP is available for free download under a creative commons licensed. Find it here on Frostclick or head over to Archive.org. Worth checking out if you feel in the mood for some flashback from the past.
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Yawn: a new EP from the windy city

Natalie
I know there is more genres of music than many of us can even count but listening to the new EP by Yawn I am thinking we should probably add a new one the list, just this once. Yawn (formerly known as Metrovox) uses a combination of tropical grooves, tribal rhythms, energetic drum loops, just a touch of 8-bit, and some great guitar all dressed in a electro pop and psychedelic finish. Often compared by the blogosphere to the music of Animal Collective, the band consists of Adam Gil, Daniel Perzan, Jorge Perez, Sam Wolf and already has a number of success stories behind their work.
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