slip into your skin and spend the night

Patrick Watson is an amazing musician who I have adored for some time now, and even have done a previous entry for his debut album. This Canadian singer-songwriter acquired a large following after his 2006 release, Close To Paradise. He's been compared to the likes of M. Ward and Jeff Buckley, and while I'm not a big fan of comparisons I have to say that they are right on with those. His gorgeous voice mixed with his unique style of cabaret pop makes some beautiful stuff. Patrick will be released another album in April entitled Wooden Arms. First mp3 track released from the album is "Tracy's Waters". If that's any indication of what the rest of the album is like, we are in luck.

download:
Tracy's Waters

also, a live video of an older track "Luscious Life," one of my favorites from Close to Paradise.

put a smile on my face, put a prize on my soul

Ida Maria Børli Sivertsen, or better known as Ida Maria, is a Norwegian rocker chick who has had a great deal of success in Norway and is breaking through here in the US. Her 2008 release Fortress Round My Heart, has gotten great reviews across the board. This chick knows how to make some catchy rock music.

Ida Maria Sivertsen has a powerful voice that conjures so many classic-rock associations it's a wonder she doesn't get lost amid all the references. On her debut album, Fortress Round My Heart, she howls like Janis Joplin, with a bit of soulful vibrato that almost sounds like grandstanding. She rasps like Courtney Love, similarly steeped in cigarettes and alcohol but without the manic aversion to actually making music.

love stay with me

just got my hands on The Veils new album entitled Sun Gangs and I'm really loving what I hear so far. Fronted by Finn Andrews, The Veils have been around since 2002. Sun Gangs will be their 3rd album together, which will be released in April. Finn has a unique voice which is often combined with his female band-mates making for some beautiful harmonies. Can't recommend these guys enough, check them out.

video for "The Letter"


The Letter - The Veils

each day a new beginning

Miranda Lee Richards is a singer-songwriter who hails from San Francisco. Her soothing vocals are reminiscent of singer-songwriters from an older era. Miranda claims Mazzy Star was an inspiration for her and you can hear tastes of them in her music. Fans of Neko Case will enjoy her stuff, along with anyone who is a sucker for a girl with a guitar.

we are all embers from the same fire

Just Jack was a popular artist in the UK in 2007 and is back with a new album this year called All Night Cinema, to be released in April. He's probably best known for his big hit "Starz In Their Eyes," which was a catchy tune with elements of pop, electronica, hip-hop, and rap. He's back with a new single called Embers, which is likely to be another hit for the talented Jack Allsop. He's had some comparisons to The Streets along the way, and while I can see the similarities, he's a got style all his own.

paint the black hole blacker

St. Vincent is a spunky indie singer-songwriter who is releasing her sophomore album in May of this year. The Strangers is the first single and track from the album and if it's any idea how the rest of the album will be, I'm excited. Her debut album, Marry Me, was a favorite of mine with great tracks like "Now, Now." Her beautiful voice continues on this next release. Can't wait to hear the rest...

is love an accident?

So I'm listening to my new Paste Magazine Digital download and came across Jeremy Messersmith's track "Miracles," and am hooked. After doing a little research, looks like Jeremy is a singer-songwriter hailing from Minnesota. His latest album entitled, The Silver City, has gotten great reviews, and even some comparisons to Sufjan Stevens. NPR had their own write-up on Jeremy, and had some great things to say:

Throughout The Silver City, Messersmith borrows heavily but lovingly from some of his favorite artists. There's the twinkling harmonies of Brian Wilson and The Beatles, and the gentle touch of Elliott Smith. Some of the chord progressions are reminiscent of Aimee Mann's work. But Messersmith adds his own colorful touches, including the electro-pop and vintage drum loops on "Miracles" and "Virginia," as well as the wistful country swing of "Breaking Down."

can you hear my heart beating like a hammer?

Metric is a group who I have enjoyed for some years now. This Canadian crew has their fourth album slated for release on April 14th of this year. Emily Haines is the lead singer, and has had her own success as a solo artist with Knives Don't Have Your Back. Their first single from the album is called "Help, I'm Alive." They have released both the album cut and acoustic version, and while the acoustic is pretty, I'm all about the original version. You can decide for yourself....