Alex Clare

 Mix David Gray, James Morrison, The Black Keys, and dubstep(?!) and you've got Alex Clare. This troubadour has such soul and sadness in his voice, it's a wonder that he isn't more well-known. That may be about to change. Clare's bluesy single "Too Close" was recently used in an Internet Explorer commercial (which is how I came across his music) and I have to imagine that many more discovered his music that way as well. 

His album The Lateness of the Hour is not available in the US (yet?) but you can get a few singles from iTunes, the aforementioned "Too Close" and the insanely catchy and bombastic "Up All Night." The latter finds Clare furiously recounting his partying ways "going on and on and on..." But it's on the soulful "Hummingbird" where he really finds his wings both musically and lyrically comparing his reluctant lover to a hummingbird hovering and as "I float near you fly away." 

Alex Clare may not be a household name yet, but by God he deserves to be. Just take one listen below and trust me, you will be searching for more.

Alex Clare- Facebook

Up All Night

The Jim Ivins Band

Shifting through all the music submissions here at Digging For Days can get a little overwhelming. You've got to be able to sort through all the PR hype to really find some great stuff. With that said, I usually always listen to bands that personally send some of their music for sampling. The Jim Ivins Band normally wouldn't have been on my radar but Mr. Ivins himself sent me their new album Everything We Wanted (available 2/25), and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised.


Kicking things off with properly is their first single "The Sight of Fire," with its soaring chorus and tale of self-destruction. With smart lines like "Funny how we kill ourselves when we try to feel alive," this is one finely crafted pop/rock song. And that brand of pop/rock is what Jim Ivins Band does so well. Everything We Wanted is filled with hook-y songs in the same vein. If you like the song below, definitely check out their new album available digitally in all the usual places.

The Jim Ivins Band- Facebook

The Sight of Fire-

Green River Ordinance

I never really gave Green River Ordinance a chance. I listened a couple of their songs a looong time ago and wasn't impressed. Fast-forward to today and I'm glad to say that I gave them a second listen. GRO are all at once dynamic, laid back, and hummable.

Their new album Under Fire is set to come out on February 28th and if their lead single "Heart of Me" is any indication, this is going to be an album full of growth. The songwriting is sharper, the hooks crisper, and it just seems like a stronger effort. "Heart of Me" starts with buzzed out guitars and really takes off with Josh Jenkins vocal delivery. (And they are giving the song away for free here!) Green River Ordinance is proof that bands sometime deserve another listen.

Green River Ordinance-Facebook

Heart of Me-

Good Old War

Good Old War specialize in breezy, folk-rock with incredible hooks. I first heard about them a few years ago with their self-titled album, and they are gearing up to release their brand new one in March. Titled Come Back as Rain, Good Old War are back with their summery flair in full force. 

Lead single "Calling Me Names" is quite the toe-tapper with lead singer Keith Goodwin really letting some person who has done him wrong have it. He rattles off lines such as, "Instead of making sense and talking like we’re friends, you think it’s a better idea calling me names" all over a jangly laid back acoustic guitar. If you haven't checked out Good Old War before, do yourself a favor and get some of their music to prepare for those lazy summer nights. 

Good Old War- Facebook
Calling Me Names-

Marianas Trench

It's been a while, I know, but I haven't been excited about any new band or artist in a while. Marianas Trench (while not new) are certainly worthy. Their new concept album Ever After, is a breath of fresh air. From beginning to end, there is not a bad song in the bunch. Each track is unpredictable with the epic opening number shifting tempos 3 times. (!) Lead singer Josh Ramsay is at the helm and delivers in spades. Ramsay's voice soars and is a thing to behold. One of the best vocalists singing right now (and arguably ever). Several times, he hit notes with such power that it literally gave me chills. 

Ever After does have a larger story to tell and while this theme lends itself to repeat listening, I prefer to just sing along. Stutter is an upbeat, hand-clapping, harmonizing masterpiece of pop music. Truth or Dare starts and stops with a breakneck beat. Marianas Trench are more popular in their native Canada but with songs this strong, they are just beginning to boil here in the US. 

Marianas Trench- Facebook

Stutter-

Satellite

Bombastic. Anthemic. Soulful. Those three words pretty much sum up Satellite. Based in LA, Satellite has a tendency to build a song's crescendo to such a fever pitch that when lead singer Steven McMorran is hitting his stride you are right there with him. This is evident on the lead single off their EP Ring the Bells. "Say the Words" builds and builds until that moment when the band lets loose and you just get chills. McMorran sings like his life depends on it. On the exquisite "Silhouette," McMorran sings of finding hope in a hopeless situation. ("Honey your dreams are big enough/You've given everything but you've given up) Satellite's music is bursting at the seams. Now if only the build up were as good as the payoff, they would be unstoppable. Definitely give them a listen.

Satellite- Facebook

Say the Words-

The Dirty Guv'nahs

New music comes from everywhere, even my friends have some stuff up their sleeves. (Thanks Cate) Knoxville's The Dirty Guv'nahs provide their own foot-stomping blues rock with a Southern soul twist. Lead singer James Trimble is an enigmatic frontman with a voice that is as at home on barn burners such as "It's Dangerous" as he is on the beautifully sad "The Country." Youth is in Our Blood is the sophomore album that finds The Guv'nahs polishing up their hooks and ratcheting up their energy. Two stand-out tracks are the nostalgic "Baby We Were Young" and the yearning "Wide Awake." Both provide a glimpse into the two mindset of these "Dirty" guys: rocking out and quieting down. And with a live show that is wall to wall frenetic energy, these Guv'nahs are campaigning for buzz band of 2011.
The Dirty Guv'nahs- Facebook

Baby We Were Young-

Jack and White

Purposefully, deceptively, and yet brilliantly  named Jack and White consists of former American Idol contestant Brooke White and songwriting partner Jack Mantranga. I remember really liking Brooke on AI but then her solo stuff didn't really do anything for me. Well what a difference a duo makes. Jack and White are the perfect blend. Their harmonies are effortless and their songs singable. On their new EP Gemini, they embody a 70s pop vibe, with a summery feel on every note. "Double Trouble" is a laid back affair about a couple of troublemakers who do something troubling. (The singers themselves don't really have a clear answer on that) Jack and White produce such catchy melodies that you can't help but put the repeat button on. A definite surprise for anyone looking for a soundtrack to their next beach party. 

Jack and White- Facebook

Double Trouble-

Jon Fratelli

His voice is unmistakable. It's that guy from those iPod commercials. But when Jon Fratelli isn't making music with his band The Fratellis, he is keeping the groove going on his solo album Psycho Juekbox. Jon's raspy vocals are the star here alongside some pretty great songs. "Santo Domingo" is a slinky jam filled with start/stop guitars and a catchy as hell melody. "Daddy Won't Pay Your Bill" is about just what you imagine. It's filled with pounding drums and is just plain fun. "Flathead" may have put them on the radar here in the US, but frontman Jon is keeping the lights on with his solo album. 

Jon Fratelli- Facebook

Santo Domingo-

Now The Rabbit Has The Gun

There hasn't been a new band that I have completely gone crazy for but the streak is over. The awkwardly named Now The Rabbit Has The Gun is that band. No clue how I came across these guys, but I am extremely glad I did. Where NTRHTG (whew!) really shine is in the the hook of each song, expertly delivered by lead singer Mike Seminari. An earnestness is prevalent in their songs; a vastness that often times is hard to keep on the rails but they manage to do. Especially in the rollicking "The World is Bigger Than You Think," where the chorus literally takes off and doesn't back down. They can switch gears on a dime, with the absolutely heartbreaking "Divide the Knives," which lyrically tells the story of a marriage gone south and the realization that it is ending. (with lines like I know you're just here to pack your things, your half of the memories) AND, they are giving away their music. You can download their album for free here. 

Now The Rabbit Has The Gun- Facebook
The World Is Bigger Than You Think-

Barcelona(acoustic)-

Ben Howard

Summer is basically killing me but somehow Ben Howard is making it seem picturesque. With his edgy folk music reminiscent of Mumford & Sons, Howard's vocals effortlessly transports you to another time. His new album Every Kingdom comes out in October and lead single "Old Pine" basically sums up Ben nicely; sweet harmonies mixed with a down home feel. Lyrically the song is just as good as the music. Howard sings "And we stood as steady as the stars...we grow older still," remembering a time in youth when you feel invincible. Ben Howard has the songwriting goods as well as the musical chops to really find an audience.

Ben Howard- Facebook

Old Pine-(long musical intro) 

Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons have Vegas opulence mixed with a pop/rock sensibility. Their new album It's Time could signify their sense of expectation and it should. Lead singer Dan Reynolds sings with passion and on the title track (their best) he employs, over a hand clap/stomp beat, that "It's time to begin, isn't it? I get a little bit bigger but I'll admit I'm just the same as I was." A good message for those who lose their way when they get a little taste of success. "Look How Far We've Come" is an upbeat track with dream-like guitar lines. Imagine Dragons works best when they really let themselves go and definite one to watch.

Imagine Dragons- Facebook

It's Time-