Dan Black

Here I go dipping my toe in electronica again. It's a scary place but Dan Black makes it all right. Black is a British electronica artist with a very pop sensibility. In between his cold back beats and wordy lyrics, Black infects his songs with hooks around every turn. Symphonies, his best track off his new album UN, is filled with, well, a symphony. Violins tangle and bend on a whim. It is very much an updated Bittersweet Symphony for the electronic set. Wonder is the song Oasis should have released to stay relevant.

Dan Black's voice isn't one of spectacular bombast, but he possesses a tone that keeps the songs interesting, fresh, and listenable. You can grab the physical copy here in the US on Feb. 23rd or get it now from iTunes. Definitely worth your time and head space.

Dan Black- Myspace
Symphonies-

Ben Rector

Not much can be found on the young Ben Rector. No background info. No hometown. Nothing. OK, I didn't search very long for it, but who needs context with talent like this guys got? I found Ben by combing through some Christmas music for a kick-ass Christmas mixed CD. He just released his own Christmas EP called Jingle and Bells. It's got the best version of Jingle Bells I've heard in a while and I HATE Jingle Bells. He turns it into a saloon, dance-hall piano driven affair complete with a background crowd talking and joining in on certain parts. You should really hear it for yourself.

But upon further investigation Mr. Rector is more than just a Christmas coverer. He is also a very great singer. I know some people are going to call him a Michael Buble copycat. And some are going to stop reading at the very mention of a guy who sounds like the Buble, but stay with me. Rector does sound similar but he is not a crooner. He is totally modern and way more likeable. His songs are true and hit in the heart. Take the closing track off last year's release Songs That Duke Wrote called Hank. It's a simple piano ballad written to his just born nephew. The lyrics are insightful advice to a new born life that will make any new parent cry. Guaranteed. When talking to Hank about his parents Rector sings They're the ones who always love you and support you/ they prayed for you before you stepped foot into this world/that's one thing that I've learned. Rector's voice isn't one that blows the speakers off the wall, but his tone and sincerity are enough to keep you hitting the repeat button.

Ben Rector- Myspace
Hank-


Jingle Bells-

Fools & Horses

Combining tight guitar hooks, raspy vocals, and enough rock swagger to fill a dirty underground club, Fools & Horses are neither fools (I believe) nor horses (I think). Hailing from the DC area, they've built a solid local following and recorded 4 albums. So why haven't you heard of them? Well because you're lame. No, you're not lame. I hadn't heard of them either. All the guys share vocals responsibilities but Matt Hutchison leads the way with a voice that immediately draws you in. One of these Fools' best tracks is Selfish. With its slinky bass line, charging guitars, and a soaring chorus, it's an ode to all those self-absorbed women out there. (Let me tell you about the girl that I love/the one who don't love me). It's the perfect kiss-off anthem. Also be sure to check out the catchy We Have Arrived. Fools & Horses are currently touring behind their current album I Am the Ghost.

Fools & Horses- Myspace
Selfish-