I was immediately sold on Marian Hill’s R&B track, “Got It,” the second I heard the trembling saxophone.  With the right amount of horns, thumping bass, and Samantha Gongol’s slow, steady verses, “Got It” is jazzy, seedy and all kinds of sexy.  The Philly-based duo describes themselves as electronic pop but they are all sultry rhythm and blues, as is evidenced by “Got It.”  They do blend in their computerized skills, synthesizing sounds and creating razor sharp stop-and-go moments, but it works amazingly well with the organic sax blazing through the track.  This is that late night, smoky jazz club music.  Enjoy.

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The reinvention of Mr Twin Sister (adding the Mr this year) has resulted in a restrained, more sultry R&B self-titled sophomore album.  One standout from the second record is “Blush,” a simple, 70s throwback R&B/soul track that doesn’t crescendo, switch tempo or force in any catchy hooks.  It’s just a patient, beautifully crafted track that proves the band’s new identity fits like a glove.  Enjoy.

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“Days Without You” is the second team-up for singer Sinead Harnett and R&B producers Snakehips.  The London producers really can do no wrong, capturing the aura of 90s R&B while interlacing it with modern synths and effects.  For producers that rely heavily on electronics to craft their melodies, there is no loss of emotion or intimacy with any of their tracks.  Whether it’s with their earlier releases, “On & On” and “No Other Way,” or their newbie, “Days Without You,” Snakehips can put together a track that makes your heart swell.  And having Harnett balancing out those computers with her young, energetic intonation sure can’t hurt.  Enjoy.

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While I can’t really relate to the message of “Lights and Camera” by Kuala Lumpur’s Yuna (because I have so rarely been a model who has been treated poorly), I can relate to the way this track is put together.  “Lights and Camera” has a dreamlike melody with swelling synths and Yuna’s soft tones laying over it with perfectly timed delays and synchronization.  Yuna is pretty much a megastar at this point but for those who are new to this Malaysian songstress, it’s time to join the club.  Enjoy.

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When London-based Snakehips produces a track, it’s a pretty safe bet that track is going to have a slick, addictive R&B groove.  So it comes as no surprise fellow UKer Sinead Harnett kills it on her latest single, “No Other Way,” with the assistance of the soulful producers and fellow producer, Utters.  “No Other Way” is laid over a gentle production of soft synths and a heartbeat-toned rhythm that keeps the track smooth and alluring.  Harnett doesn’t have many tracks to her name, but “No Other Way” makes us think she’s off to a promising start.  Enjoy.

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Uh!!!  That’s the guttural ‘Uh!” when a song is so good, so funky, that your brain goes right back into cro-magnon mode and it’s the only sound that you can make to express complete satisfaction.  I usually say it three times per track when listening to the jazz/afro-beat outfit, Ikebe Shakedown. The NY-based crew recently released their second full length album, Stone by Stone, and it’s near impossible to find a track that isn’t bursting with soul and slick beats.  Seven members strong, Ikebe Shakedown is instrumental music at its funk perfection.  Just check out “The Beast,” and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.  Enjoy.  It’s almost impossible not to.

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London brings us a little bit of smooth R&B newness with “Touch,” by songstress, Shura.  Soft with luscious synths and a soulful flow, “Touch” is giving us flashbacks of the slow jams from the 70s and 80s.  After a stint at producing and being a member of trip-hop duo, Hiatus and Shura, the UK artist has finally decided to step out onto her own.  With her sultry, gentle voice, plush electronics and heart aching lyrics, it’s amazing she waited this long.  Enjoy.

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Emily King isn’t new to the music world nor is she some hidden talent.  She released her grammy nominated debut album in 2007, three years after signing with J Records.  In 2008, King went the indie route, leaving her label behind and releasing an EP and a handful of tracks.  While King’s indie releases have peaked some interest, it’s her recent single, “Distance,” that’s got every blogger (myself included) in a nerd-filled panic to post an entry about her.  There’s good reason.  “Distance” is one of the most soulful tracks to hit our ears in a long time.  The groove is reminiscent of 60s and 70s soul yet also has a smooth, modern R&B flow, preventing the track from ever feeling dated.  So kick back, relax, rock that silk robe that’s been collecting dust in the closet and enjoy.

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“Fresh out of an icky gooey womb.”  Only the psychedelic Glass Animals could get away with those lyrics and lay them over a neo-soul groove.  The first single off the soon to be released EP of the same name, “Gooey” is just that, a sticky, thick track that clings to your membrane long after the song fades to black.  Lyrically unlike anything else out there in the indiesphere, “Gooey” is audible dopamine, controlling our emotions and sparking our need for new sensations.  Although it’s only February, I already know “Gooey” is going to be one of my top tracks of the year.  With frontman, David Bayley, singing about “peanut butter vibes,” how could it not be?  Enjoy.

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Not too long ago, I posted “Paradise,” a track by hip-hop and soul producer, ESTA.  Featured on that track were the vocals of R&B singer, Alina Baraz.  Some quick research into Baraz resulted in the discovery of an insanely sultry singer whose songs drip with a smoothness like honey.  Just listen to “Drift,” which slinks forward with frighteningly slow patience.  Even when addressing love, Baraz adds darker tones, which infuse a subtle pain in every emotion she explores.  (You’re like a wave washing over me/pulling me underneath/sinking slowly).   Not sure it’s the best idea to tell the person you love that they make you feel like you are drowning.  Your call.  Enjoy.

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