This reminds me of Elliot Smith, which is a good thing, a very good thing. Beal just got signed to XL Records, which has been cranking out some great albums the past few years. I can't wait to hear what will come next from this guy! Beal’s debut LP Acousmatic Sorcery is set to drop on March 19.
Willis Earl Beal - Evenings Kiss


Radical Face - All Is Well (Goodbye, Goodbye)


A bonus track from the Suburbs featuring David Byrne of the Talking Heads. Noice!
Arcade Fire - Speaking In Tongues (Feat. David Bryne)


The Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit released their new album titled The Lion's Roar this past week. I had a chance to hear the album and it might should come as no surprise that I love it. These sisters know how to make mountian man folk songs with beautiful harmonies. If you are a fan of Mumford And Sons you'll definitely want to check these girls out.
First Aid Kit - The Lions Roar


Unknown Mortal Orchestra - How Can U Luv Me


Deeming her sound as Doom Soul, Al Spx makes delightful haunting music. Anyone who lists Tom waits and James Carr as influences, gets instant cool points in my book.
Cold Specks - Holland


This is one of those "I found about them while on youtube" bands. I really dig this band for it's angsty emo punk rock feel. They also manage to set themselves apart from the norm with a lot of tempo changes which makes it fun to listen to. Had I known of this band at age 21, there is not a doubt in my mind, they would have been my favorite band. I do really like the band, but I was way more into the whole emo/punk thing back then. Favorite line "I've been collecting resin with your bobby pins"
Grown Ups - Three Day Weekend

2063

The Letter J

Jonathan Richman - I'm A Little Dinosaur



It snowed like crazy here the past few days. I don't mind the snow, but I hate driving in it, especially when nothing has been plowed. However it does have it's advantages! Here is a cool little instrumental from Jamaican keyboardist Jackie Mittoo. Mittoo, was the founding of the 60's ska band The Skatalites.
Jackie Mittoo - Stereo Freeze

This song is in French, so I don't understand what the lyrics are. All I know is that this song is a psychedelic garage rocker from the 60's that will leave you coming back for multiple listens. I will post a link to his official site, but it's in french, so I'll link to his Wikipedia entry.
Jacques Dutronc - Le Responsable


You may not recognize the name Jim Carroll, but you have may have seen a movie based upon a book he wrote called The Basketball Dairies, staring a young Leonardo DiCaprio. The book/movie is a dark and gritty autobiographical look into Carrolls teenage years in New York City, that focuses primarily on his heroin addiction which started at age 13. You might recall this about 10 years ago this film came under fire with the Columbine shootings for it's violent scene of a fantasy school shooting. If you haven't seen the movie I really really recommend it, it's a fascinating story. Be warned though it's not a family feel good movie. Other than the movie, Jim Carroll also was a poet and musician.
The Jim Carroll Band - People Who Died

The Jags were not around for very long, but they did make some pretty good power pop.
The Jags - Back Of My Hand

The Jezabels hail from Australia. I haven't had a chance to hear much of their music but, I really like this song.
The Jezabels - A Little Piece