The Stellas

There I was flipping through the channels the other day and stopped on CMT. I know, why? Well, there was a duo singing that immediately caught my attention. Apparently, the show Can You Duet is the country duo version of American Idol. The duo that made me stop is called The Stellas. They are a Canadian duo consisting of Marylynne and Brad Stella. Individually they have excellent voices worthy of a solo go- but together they are magic.

Marylynne's voice is smoky and piercing, while Brad has a strong, smooth tone. The strongest song The Game, is what they auditioned with and it's a fast-paced country tinged toe tapper. Fond of You is a coy little flirt of song with a strong hook. The Stellas' vocal dynamic is what drives each and every song. Whether or not they win the Can You Duet competition, The Stellas will have a future. A bit different for DFD, but I think you'll dig.

*Marylynne stopped by Digging For Days and left a comment, in the comments section. You should too!

The Stellas- Myspace
Fond Of You-

The Whigs

Things have been pretty slow around these parts lately. Posts have been a little slack partly due to the fact that I've just not really been excited about a ton of bands lately, and partly because it's summer and I'm out and about a lot. With that said, I decided to dig a little into my own personal iTunes for some dustier finds. During my time at The University of Georgia in Athens, I got wind of a lot of native bands. The Whigs are one of many that actually have the goods.

Their album Mission Control came out early last year amid a ton of positive buzz. They craft tightly wound rollicking songs and aren't afraid to find that pop hook. Lead singer Parker Gispert has an urgent voice that makes every song listenable. Their best track off the album is I Got Ideas a powerful, horn-ridden song with a great beat for hand claps. The verses start off with beat driven guitars before giving way to a rush in the chorus. The Whigs may not be the newest band around these parts but hey, if you've never of them, they're new to you.

The Whigs-Myspace
I Got Ideas-

The Modern Electric

This is the find of the month.(Thank you Citizen Dick) Cleveland based "cinematic pop" group The Modern Electric, have so completely wrapped me up in their insanely catchy hooks, killer vocal delivery and just an all around intriguing sound. Let's see if I can put it in words. They sight David Bowie as their main influence and they even have a song named after him. Lead singer Garrett Komyati has a voice that is melodic, soulful, and electric.

Their self-titled debut album is filled to the brim with song after song of rocking soul with an indie edge. The track Mistakes is a low key, melodic affair about giving your all to someone but it's just never enough. A repeat of the question What am I doing wrong girl? serves as the chorus that really drives the point across. As Sharp As Knives is a building, brooding track with a haunting echoes and lone piano keys. While Ghost is downright creepy with its clever take on obsession (I promise I will haunt you when I die/What kills me the most/You're not even a ghost) The Modern Electric are the next thing. Guaranteed.

The Modern Electric- Myspace
Mistakes (Live)-

A.A. Bondy

First off, this one is a long time coming. Not so much new to those who scour music blogs, but A.A. Bondy is still buried in the music scene. His style of Americana folk-rock isn't exactly radio ready. But Bondy's voice and songwriting abilities were the selling point for me. I first heard of him with his debut album American Hearts and his heartbreak of a song There's A Reason. Bondy's voice is weather worn and has one of those tones that is all at once intriguing and haunting.

Now Double A has a new album coming out September 1st called When The Devil's Loose. On this album Bondy is backed by a full band for a much richer sound. The title track is a bluesy fiddle filled, mid- tempo number that finds Bondy singing about a woman who apparently lives too cautiously (Oh the living and dying/ how easily you bruise). Bondy's casual vocal style paints a scene in every song. If you haven't already, get on board this bandwagon.

A.A. Bondy- Myspace
There's A Reason (Live)-

Download This- When The Devil's Loose

Mutemath

Mutemath have spent the past 3 years since the release of their debut album toiling away for their new release Armistice. They've released a few songs for soundtracks and an EP to tide us over, but now it's time for the main course. They had a minor hit with their single Typical, but since then haven't really registered. I have a feeling that may all change.

Mutemath have been labeled in the same sentence as Switchfoot- Christian rock acts that have major crossover appeal. Armistice is schedule to drop on August 18th, and the first single The Nerve is ready for your listening pleasure. Upon first listening to it, I had high expectations. A steady barrage of drums kick off an barn burner (literally) with lines that call out the sometimes backwards thinking that goes on. (I can't believe this world is yelling out in the dark that it wants to be left alone/Set it on fire) The lack of a strong melody has me concerned but this song might need a few spins to grow. But all in all, Mutemath deserve to be applauded for bringing some substance to rock music.

Mutemath-Myspace
The Nerve-

Jessica Andrews

So updates have been a little slow because I've been moonlighting as a country music DJ. (No really) And in my raking over songs and songs I came across one from a girl who has been heaped into the one hit wonder bin far too prematurely. Jessica Andrews is a country singer but not a honky-tonk princess. In fact, her voice isn't really all that country. Especially now. Jessica hit it big with her hit single Who I Am at age 17. A dissolved record label and many unnoticed singles later, and Jessica is finally putting out a new album later this year.

The track Everything is off this untitled album and it is a heart-felt doozy. Jessica has never sounded so good. Her voice cracks with emotion and has matured into a fine instrument. I always thought she had a fine voice, but as she pushes to hit those notes I am blown away. Country music isn't my favorite thing ever, but every now and then you can't knock songs that just stick with you. Give it a spin. I think you will like it.

Jessica Andrews- Myspace
Everything-

Jones Street Station

It at first you don't succeed... Jones Street Station released their debut album Overcome 2 years ago but don't feel as though it represents them all that well. Enter their true debut album In Verses out this August. Their second "debut" finds the boys from Brooklyn, by way of the midwest, with a new drummer and four, count 'em four lead vocalists. The band is a lo-fi alt-country group with each member more than strong enough to front a band on their own.

One of the strongest tracks is Tall Buildings, a melancholy goodbye to the country life for the big bustling city. (It's goodbye to the sunshine/ Goodbye to the dew/ Goodbye to you/ I'm off to the subway/ Going to work in tall buildings) Harmonicas, mandolin, piano, four-part harmonies fill the songs of Jones Street Station. Their alt-country laid back nature is a refreshing breeze for those lazy firefly filled summer nights.

Jones Street Station-Myspace
Tall Buildings (Live)-

My Favorite Highway

Sometimes all it takes is determination and a batch of catchy songs. Fairfax, Virginia's My Favorite Highway know what it's like to toil away and not see much for your work. The band almost called it quits after a concert in which only a handful of people showed up and the club couldn't afford to pay them. But they turned their frustrations into a batch of tuneful songs which led to their being signed by Virgin. Soon after their debut album How To Call A Bluff was born.

My Favorite Highway land somewhere in The Fray territory, with their piano driven melodies but have a harder edge. Simple Life is an upbeat song about breaking free of your daily routine. While Getaway Car is a soaring rocker with about finding your purpose in life.(When all you hold in your heart slips away/You have to choose/ Fall behind, make a change, or change your mind) A lot of the songs are about finding your way in life when things don't go as planned. (Hitting a little too close for me right now) Now don't misunderstand, these guys are pure radio-ready pop/rock but their songs are catchy and harmless. A perfect fit for those aimless upcoming summer months.

My Favorite Highway- Myspace
Simple Life-

Romantica

Who would have thought a European could make Americana seem so effortless? (Thanks to Heather for the tip) Lead singer Ben Kyle from Minnesota by way of Belfast, has a Ryan Adams vibe going on. (And it doesn't hurt that he guested on their track The Dark.) Kyle's voice has such a rugged, yet hushed quality to it bringing sincerity to every song. Their sophomore album America was released in 2007 and is filled with down-home, rusty gems. It's perfect to put on the car radio and drive with the windows down on a cool summer evening.

The National Side is a mid-tempo toe tapper about growing up, with excellent lines such as Daddy was a preacher in a ship-building town/ Mama cooked the meals and wore a crown because of it/Dropped the dreams in the cradle and crib/Gave 'em all to Jesus that's what she did. One of the best Romantica has to offer is off of their debut album It's Your Weakness That I Want. The song On My Mind has Kyle pushing his vocals to their brink. We Americans are getting schooled by Romantica with their excellent grasp on folk/pop-rock.

Romantica- Myspace
The National Side-

Romantica - The National Side from Ryan Newman on Vimeo.

Fitz & The Tantrums

I guess everything old is new again. Fitz & The Tantrums take a page from the Mark Ronson songbook and mix it up old school. Layering many songs with horns, organs, and '60s girl-group soul, Fitz & Co. more than earn their keep. From LA by way of France, Fitz has a throwback vibe with a modern twist, with influences of AM pop radio, Motown, and early Hall & Oates.

Their debut album Songs For A Break-Up Vol. 1, is filled with numerous grand-sounding songs with sweeping choruses and catchy hooks. Breakin' The Chains Of Love is a horn-riddled, tambourine fueled number that will definitely make you get up and dance. The slow-burning We Don't Need Love Songs is a sexy Commodores-esque track with with a vocal delivery drenched in desire. Fitz & The Tantrums is a refreshing nod to old school danceable pop.

Fitz & The Tantrums- Myspace
Breakin' The Chains of Love-

Download This-

fun.

Appropriately named band fun. is an indie powerpop band formed out of the ashes of other indie powerpop bands among them being The Format. Lead singer of The Format Nate Ruess takes over vocal duties for fun. and brings with him the same sensibility he had in his former band. Fun.'s debut album Aim & Ignite isn't scheduled to hit stores until late this summer but they've already given us a taste of what is to come with their first single, At Least I'm Not As Sad (As I Used To Be).

When I first heard that The Format was splitting up, I was a little bit heartbroken but after hearing fun.'s music, I can honestly say that the spirit of The Format lives on. Their first single starts out lullaby simple before the army drums kick in. Nate possibly sings about leaving the band behind with lines like Youth's taken over by rock and roll, so I left, that's it. The hook in this song will sting your ears with it sugary sweet childhood taunts.

fun.- Myspace
At Least I'm Not As Sad (As I Used To Be)-


Download This- At Least I'm Not As Sad (As I Used To Be)

Jer Coons

There I was looking around in Hollister, trying to find some clothes. I waved off the annoying helpers, squinted in the low light, and banged my broomstick on the ceiling to tell those crazy kids to turn down the loud music. (Yep, I carry around just a broomstick) But just as I was about to shuffle out at 4:00 to eat supper, this song came across the speakers. It made my size too small heart grow and actually made me stay in the store until it was over.

At first I thought Jason Mraz had a new song out, but after some searching I found that he doesn't. Jer Coons (what a name!) could definitely be Mr. Mraz's voice twin. But where they differ is that Coons has a... ok they don't differ. Both sing laid back summery songs. Both have a soothing tone to their voice. I heard the song Legs in the store, which is a warm acoustic ode to losing the one you love to someone else. Another highlight is the catchy Secrets, which just has one of those great melodies. Jer Coons is not Jason Mraz but if doesn't get the credit he deserves it might be because radio already has their Mraz.

Jer Coons- Myspace

Legs-