I’m on the run a lot these days for work, but I realize that a mini-mixtape is long overdue. Summer is right around the bend for some of us (Boston) while others have been enjoying nice weather for a few weeks now. Sunny days are for rolling the windows down and screaming at the top of your lungs. They’re also for kicking your feet up and drinking some adult beverages. These songs should be suitable for one of the two of those activities, maybe both. Enjoy.
Calling All Gamma Rays – Quiet Hounds
I blogged last year about Quiet Hounds and how much I loved the first EP they released. This one is better. It’s coming later next month, and I’ll give a more in depth blog in a few weeks, but I couldn’t keep this from you. It’s that good.
Calling All Gamma Rays
It’s Time – Imagine Dragons
Another killer EP. Imagine Dragons have big things in store for them, at least in the musical circles I run in. This EP has a bit of everything, and if “It’s Time” is any indication of what a full length album might sound like, I can safely say I am in love.
It’s Time
Sweetest Sin – Saints of Valory
Unbelievable. In their second appearance on the blog, SoV keeps releasing stuff that makes me like them even more. And I didn’t really think that was possible. The Kids EP dropped today and I’ve already sped through this 4 times. Pick it up, then listen to their previous stuff. You will thank me later.
Sweetest Sin
Bright Lights and Amplifiers – American Opera
Please go buy some AO stuff. I can’t stand being the only one of my friends who knows about this guy. Some songs are summer songs, some are slit your wrist songs. Both are right in my wheel house and I absolutely love the stuff I’ve heard so far.
Bright Lights & Amplifiers
Mississippi Moon – Rob Baird
A blog reader and friend of mine, Matt, sent me this recommendation a few months ago. I immediately picked up some of Baird’s stuff but it’s this single that really stands out.
Mississippi Moon
Safe Here – Craig Cardiff
Cardiff’s stuff is usually a bit quieter than this, so it’s nice to hear him speed it up a little from time to time. I love his voice and though I usually lean towards the more acoustic stuff, his newest album is an excellent change of pace.
Safe Here
Jenny – Tyler Hilton
Hilton’s more talented than you think. Every album he puts out is thoroughly enjoyable, full of songs that are heart felt and easy to listen to. On occasion, he busts out a gem like this. In total, his newest album is a step in the right direction as he attempts to show that he’s more than an actor with a guitar.
Jenny
Love on the Radio – Justin Hopkins
When The Voice began this year, there were a handful of artists I’d already followed pretty religiously. Hopkins is one of those and to be honest, I can’t believe he didn’t make it further along than he did. I hope the exposure at least won him some new fans, because he’s too damned good not to be in the business.
Love On the Radio
Dear Willie -
