Roger Sellers creates simple, calming music to get completely lost in.  His single, “Lates,” off his recent album, Primitives, is no exception.  There’s a magical way that this Texas native’s music absorbs you and unravels all that entangles you.  His songs are uncluttered and precise, yet effortless and unbounded.  “Lates” is the perfect track for when you need to turn things down and fade away for a bit.  Enjoy.

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Sometimes our best work happens somewhat by accident.  The same can be said for Holy Holy.  While taking a break in recording their debut EP, the Aussie duo wrote and quickly taped “History,” a single that shines brighter than anything the band had originally planned on releasing.  Full of folk and rock nostalgia, “History” has rich textures and feels like its taking you on a journey from the opening chord to the last staticky note.  Enjoy.

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It’s always a bit nerve-racking awaiting a band’s return after an amazing debut album.  There’s always the concern that they will never reach the heights they previously did, or they will strive so hard to change their sound that they are barely recognizable.  Both of these fears can be put to rest with “I’m Not Coming Back,” the first single off Husky’s sophomore album, hopefully due out later this year.  “I’m Not Coming Back” is that right mix of folk and pop to appeal to purists of both, and keeps that emotional essence that coursed through their first album, Forever So, intact.  The new album can’t come soon enough.  Enjoy.

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Breaking the shackles of your folk/rock roots ain’t easy.  Miraculously, The Apache Relay have done so, as is evidenced by their soulful “Katie Queen of Tennessee.”  The Nashville natives have spent the past few years working in the standard folksy realm but with the deep, langusihing harmonies on”Katie…” off their new self-titled album, The Apache Relay are exploring new territory, and making us fans of folk/soul in the process.  Enjoy.

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Anything First Aid Kit does is just about the most beautiful thing on the planet. With each album, the music crafted by these sisters matures by decades and their harmonies get sweeter and more layered, if that’s even possible.  With their latest single, “Cedar Lane,” off their upcoming third LP, Stay Gold, the influences of (and ability to be considered in the same vein as) Emmylou Harris, Joni Mitchell and Johnny Cash is striking and incredibly fitting.  The duo’s handling of contemporary folk, country and rock is nurtured with the same care and sincerity as these pioneers of music did in the 60s.  Stay Gold is due out on June 10th and will be nothing short of spectacular.  Not like my expectations are high or anything.  Enjoy.

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Quality indie rock is hard to find these days.  With electronic based pop music dominating the scene, indie rock has a harder climb to get to a height where it can be seen.  Animal Years seems to have made that climb with the driven, emotionally charged “Leah.”  From the Brooklyn-based quartet’s recently released debut album, Sun Will Rise, “Leah” is introspective and reserved one second, then erupts like a volcano the next.  Lead singer, Mike McFadden, dominates every inch of the track and provides enough fuel to send this track into the stratosphere.  Bordering on folk rock/Americana, “Leah” still has that good ol’ hometown feel making Animal Years that familiar friend you want to welcome into your playlist.  Enjoy.

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What better way to wish you a merry new year than by making The Merrys our last entry of the year.  “We Don’t Know,” the debut single from brother/sister duo, Jordan and Ellie, is a massive folk/pop track that, like a mountain, consumes the entire landscape until it crumbles into the horizon as the song shifts from raucous choruses to delicate harmonies that reveal the vulnerability of the Merrys’ lyrics.  “We Don’t Know” has an unshakable familiarity that reminds you of growing up in a small town…or wishing you grew up in one.  Warm up to The Merrys on the cold new year.  Their music works better than hot chocolate.  Enjoy.

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 I’ve been fans of Wake Owl since I first discovered the Wild Country EP and have been eagerly anticipating an album of acoustic folk goodness.  Much to our surprise, the first single off Wake Owl’s debut album, The Private World of Paradise (due out on March 4, 2014) is “Candy,” a soft disco track that leaves his hometown tracks in the dust.  “Candy” is like an ABBA song on Quaaludes, sporting ample falsettos with a sedated beat and guitars working a slightly funky melody.  Thanks to “Candy,” I now have no idea what to expect on Paradise, which will make the album that much sweeter.

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Songs rarely reach such heartwarming, comforting heights as those by folk outfit, Mutual Benefit.  The 7 track debut album, Love’s Crushing Diamond, released on October 25th, is an experiment in capturing a natural, deconstructed approach to each song while still having every component embrace and encircle the other.  The rustic tones and humble choruses generate a familial element, as though you are joining a family as they play songs together after Thanksgiving dinner.  “Advanced Falconry,” the first single off of Love’s Crushing Diamond, is about as good as a love poem can get (And oh the way she moves / always on the run / and to look into her eyes / will make a fool of anyone), and is enhanced by a fragile, patient melody that melts into the background.   Man, I really need a hug right now.  Enjoy.

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It’s bittersweet being introduced to a great band that is no longer in existence.  One of the most enjoyable aspects of being  a fan is the anticipation of new music.  Maybe that’s why I’m a bit cruel today, introducing you to an amazing indie outfit that went on “indefinite hiatus” in 2011.  But after listening to their music, I doubt you’ll stay mad at me for too long.  Foreign Born formed in 2003 in San Francisco, releasing just two albums before the members stepped away to explore separate projects.  Their second album, Person to Person, released in 2009, is a rich, thoughtful album that at times is joyus, solemn, and always moving.  Perhaps the best examples from this stellar record are the ominous “Blood Oranges,” the stirring “It Grew On You,” and the magical “Early Warnings.”  Don’t resist Foreign Born just because we may have gotten our final taste, especially when it tastes this sweet.  Enjoy.

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