Pop Rock

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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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Jumy: Every day is the First Day

Valerie
This set is a collection of acoustic folk pop songs from Frenchman, jumy. Every Day is the First Day mixes masterful guitar strumming with southern harmonica and some peppy tune. It reminds me of a quiet summer getaway where you just sit down with friends, sing along and play guitar. Nice relaxing sounds. This the second release from the artist. His first album, de bric et de broc, is also a compilation of folk pop songs played in his beautifully embellished guitar and recorded in his makeshift home studio. The album is available as a free download on Jamendo and licensed under a creative commons license.
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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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Weed Hounds: Demo

Valerie
Weed Hounds is a four piece crew that create beautiful shoegaze, indie alternative, surfer rock music. Led by the sweet-voiced female lead, Laura Catalano; the group creates upbeat cuts that make you want to sit back in a cozy afternoon riding your bike around your neighborhood. She's joined by equally talented bandmates, Nicholas Rice, Patrick Stankard, and Keith Pilson. Containing four upbeat and lively songs, this demo was immediately followed up with the release of a  single as well as a split 7" with the band Dude Japan. This New York four piece is certainly worth watching out for.
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Plastic People: Pink Narcissus

Valerie
Listening to Plastic People at first may seem weird. However, with the weird accent, folksy and gypsy 80s style sound, it's hard not to notice this band's unique sound. The group hails from France and are currently unsigned. Manned by Frenchman, Sèbastien Ficagna, who is basically the one-man crew of Plastic People. This sophomore album reflects a hipster indie 80s vibe throughout the record. The songs are danceable and easy to like even at first listen. To top it off, the vocals echo a Robert Smith feel which adds to the cool, retro sound. Great album to check out.
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Magellan’s Folly: Of The People, By The People, For The People

Valerie
Magellan's Folly may not be the type of band that blows you away on first listen, but they do have a certain grace and appeal to their music that makes you want to pay attention. The band's aim is to get their message across and that is to "get people all across the world to pay attention to the world around them." This might seem like a highly ambitious goal but then again, music is a universal language. Hailing from Minnesota, this duo creates an acoustic indie pop sound infused with a political message. They try and capture the audiences attention with the rawness of their sound as well as the message they bring. If you're looking for a twist in your typical indie acoustic affair, take a listen to this one.
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Quentin: A Gig At The Dachshund Breeder’s Club House

Valerie
Quentin is a German band that spits out punk rock tracks that you might not understand but is definitely a hell-of-a-lot-of fun to listen to. This three piece German band has definitely got spunk and tons of attitude. A Gig At The Dachshund Breeder's Club House is said to be more than one-year in the making yet it seems to be the product of a spontaneous live performance or get together in the studio. It has plenty of energy, attitude and a touch of cheekiness here and there. Definitely a cool 7-track compilation worth checking out. It's a bit of pop, Brit rock, new wave and punk all rolled into one interesting and upbeat record. Give it a download.
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Fall Walk Run: Throwing It All Away

Valerie
One of my most favorite discovery this year, Fall Walk Run makes me want to run around and frolick in a beautiful sea of grass and flowers. Throwing It All Away is the debut EP for the duo. Made up of Lawrence Harvey and Stuart Eaves, this acoustic duo hails from Wolverhampton, England. Their debut is a beautiful compilation of indie acoustic pop music that is catchy and easy to listen to. Inspired by artists like Jason Mraz, Ben Lee and Feist; the duo seems set in soaring high this year. With music this good, it's hard not to think they might just make it.
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