New Music Obsessions 4

It's been quite a while since I had a post like this, so hold on to your hats!

1) Walk Off the Earth:

Found these guys on itunes top 100 (don't judge that's how I find a lot of my new music).  At first listen I was kinda "eh" about them, but it was mostly the song that I was listening to. They are indie pop, and not surprisingly their popular song is a bit too poppy, so I got the wrong impression.  I downloaded them anyway, and ended up really digging their sound. You should definitely give them a chance even if you are skeptical.

Band site

They are a 5 person indie rock band from Canada.  They are ALL over the map with their genres.  When listening to their album I heard some light reggae sounds, some Jack Johnson vibes, some teen angst, some covers, some indie rock sound, but honestly that's part of what I like about them.  They formed in 2006, and have 4 albums: Smooth Like Stone on a Beach (2007), My Rock (2010), R.E.V.O. EP (2012), and R.E.V.O. LP (2013).  I only have R.E.V.O. Here are a few favorites off of the album:

Track 3: Gang of Rhythm
Track 6: Shake
Track 9: Summer Vibe
Track 11: No Ulterior Motives

Another interesting fact about them is that they became popular through doing covers of songs, and didn't end up as just a wedding band.  You don't usually see that unless the covers have an interesting or weird twist (a la Richard Cheese).  They did a cover of the Gotye song "Somebody that I Used to Know" which is actually half decent (I didn't really like the original song...if you did you'd like this cover).

2) Bastille:
I've heard of them before from recommendations of friends, and seeing them on festival line-ups, but until now I hadn't actually listened to them.  When looking up new music I decided to download them and give them a try.  They definitely have an interesting sound.  Not too many up-beat/fun tracks, but that doesn't mean that they aren't good. Plus they have a song called Laura Palmer, so I feel as if I'm obligated to like them (anyone who has seen Twin Peaks will understand).

Band site

The four person (all men) indie rock band from the UK formed in 2010.  They have since produced one full album and several singles.  They are pretty big in the UK.  They actually toured with Muse which I thought was pretty interesting.  I assume they will make their way to the U.S. in a big way, but their sound will probably change a bit. Here are a few select tunes for you to try:

Bad Blood:
Track 1: Pompeii
Track 4: Overjoyed
Track 5: These Streets
Track 9: Flaws

3) Passenger:
I actually heard him on Pandora when I was playing a Mumford and Sons radio.  I love him. Super folky sound.  Pretty similar to Mumford and Sons (obviously since Pandora doesn't make mistakes).  He is very relaxing.  In looking him up he is way more popular/well known than I thought.  His international tour is basically sold out through Dec.

Band site

This story is particularly interesting.  The band started out in 2007 with 7 members in a British folk rock band with all the songs being written by Mike Rosenberg and co-written by Andrew Phillips.  The band actually disbanded after just one album (that I have not listened to, but I imagine is great), but Mike Rosenberg continued with a solo career still using the name Passenger.  He has since released several albums: Wide Eyes Blind Love (2009), Flight of the Crow (2010), and All the Little Lights (2013). I downloaded only the latest album, but will definitely be going back for more.  Here are some of my favorites:

Track 2: Let Her Go
Track 3: All The Little Lights
Track 7: Keep on Walking
Track 8: Patient Love
Track 10: Holes
Track 12: I Hate (This one is live, but it's really funny)

4) Capital Cities:
Another one from itunes top 100.  At first listen I wasn't really a fan because I listened to their most popular song first, and honestly that isn't quite their sound.  Chris was still skeptical until I played him one of the weirdest and most awesome songs ever by them (Farrah Fawcett Hair).

Band site

Boy puts ad on craigslist. Boy responds to ad. Boy band formed. Pretty uninteresting start to a band, but these two guys make it work.  They were formed in California in 2009, and together have released an indie pop album called In a Tidal Wave of Mystery (they also have some singles too) in June 2013.  I downloaded In a Tidal Wave of Mystery.  Here are my picks:

Track 1: Safe and Sound (I personally don't like this, but it is the one that everyone knows, so I thought I'd mention it)
Track 3: Kangaroo Court
Track 6: Farrah Fawcett Hair (mentioned above...even if you don't download the album please youtube this...I'll make it easy for you watch now)
Track 7: Chartreuse
Track 12: Love Away


Summer singles:
I have a few singles for you guys that I really liked and are definitely good and fun for summer (what's left of it at least):

Burn by Ellie Goulding
Brave by Sara Bareilles (blast from the past... the artist not the song...that's newish)
Cups by Anna Kendrick (no judgement, please)
You've Got Time by Regina Spektor
Doses and Mimosas by Cherub
Wagon Wheel by Darius Rucker
Closer by Tegan and Sara


Anyway, I hope you enjoy the suggestions.  Feel free to comment or message me separately about other bands I should check out.  I'm always looking for new music.