A little of this, a little of that

This week I was searching for some diversity to bring to the table. I just think i found some new stuff but they’re all very similar… just the mood of music I’m in lately. Next week I’m going to bring some rockin’ sounds to the table, need some heavy stuff to balance out the chill. Thanks to all for reading and the nice messages and comments on last weeks artists… sorry for the delay, work has been nuts. Now, the vitamins:

Sondre Lerche

I really like this dude, and i feel like i’ve only hit the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his music. I bought one album, the Dan in Real Life OST after hearing a few of his songs, and the album is just great – all the way through. Sondre sounds like a Rufus Wainwright mixed with Jason Mraz (minus high school cheerleader following). His vocal quality and sound are mixed with some slightly off center musical phrases which reminds me of Rufus. However, he has some upbeat pop songs that dance in the Mraz realm. Overall very fun to listen to, and could be one of your favorite artists for summer driving, cookouts, etc. Check out his duet with Regina Spektor, “Hell No”; and “My Hands Are Shaking”.

Dawn Landes

This chick is straight up kentucky gone New York. Not an incredibly rich sound or full voice (rather thin actually), but there’s something about her that keeps you looking for awesome. In my opinion, its not really out there yet. Nonetheless, it will be… someday. I picked up the Fireproof record and I’m waiting for that moment when its exactly what i want to hear.

She’s gained some recent popularity do to her cover of “Young Folks” by Peter Bjorn & John (check it out below). You know it… its that whistling song. Her rendition is really cool actually. She goes straight to her kentucky roots and rips it up with some old school bluegrass dudes. Very entertaining to listen to. I’m really interested to hear if anyone sees something in this girl that i don’t. I know the greatness is there, just can’t put my finger on it.

The Deadly Syndrome

If you took the indie-alt edge of Modest Mouse and mixed it with the socal pop-punk-rock from Phantom Planet, you’d have these guys. They aren’t a completely unique sound, or groundbreaking in any way… they’re just good – good enough to buy the album. While these guys may not make it up on your facebook profile as a favorite, you’ll enjoy it.

The cd starts off with my favorite track which is downloadable on virb, “Eucalyptus.” A very nice opening track that doesn’t dwell on a repetitive song form and goes on a bit of a journey as the track finishes. Another highlight off the album is “Wolves in the Garden” (shown live below). A nice ballad that doesn’t make you want to stuff your mouth with pain killers, swigging crown and hoping for the best. On the contrary, its a nice ballad that warms you up but could be followed by a hug… listen to it and you’ll understand.

The album is interesting in the fact it never really settles on one particular sound. Every track seems to take you in a new direction, but its all held together by the unique vocal sound and consistant instrumentation mixing. Honestly, this album will have few more rotations in my player before i feel like i get it, and I’m ok with that. The Ortolan is a nice album that is a pleasure to listen to. Check it out, let me know if you get it.