Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
This is such a beautiful video and performance.
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
This is such a beautiful video and performance.
Feet don’t fail me now - Jake Morley
If you’re into the ’one man band, singer songwriter guy’ that is seeming to become very popular recently, (Ben Howard, Ed Sheeran etc), then you will enjoy this light hearted, poppy singer songwriter Jake Morley. This one is the most dynamic of his songs, complete with a gospel choir backing and drums, however his other songs are more stripped back, Morley often using his guitar as perccusion in a Newton Faulkner style.
Be warned, he isn’t revolutionary, we have heard similar before with artists like Jack Johnson, Ed Sheeran and Newton Faulkner, but it’s feel good nature with every day lyrics is easy and enjoyable listening.
For Fans of: Newton Faulkner, Jack Johnson, Ed Sheeran, Jason Mraz
Devendra Banhart - Baby
How have I only listened to this now? This makes me feel so happy.
Wild Belle - Keep You
This is the debut song from Chicago duo ‘Wild Belle’. Their sound is a mixture of soulful singing, spacey synth sounds and gutsy baritone saxophone melodies. Predicted to be very popular!
For Fans of: Santigold, Lana Del Rey, The Specials
Red Baraat - NPR Music video
Such a strangely awesome fusion of Funk, Jazz, Indian, African and Hip Hop music!
Tallest man on earth - Dreamer
Swedish singer-writer Kristian Mattson who goes under the name of ‘The Tallest Man On Earth’ writes and performs his own folk inspired songs which are similar to Bob Dylan in voice and song writing style. His songs are accompanied by beautiful folk- style guitar picking, especially in songs such as ‘Love is all’. I can’t get enough of him at the moment, and this song is amazing.
Other songs to listen to: Love Is All, The Gardener Kids On The Run
For Fans of: Nick Drake, Bob Dylan, Bon Iver
Jack Penate - No One Lied
Lots of people have felt the absence of Jack Penate, since his successful album ‘Everything Is New’, and with this song he’s proved he has more to give. This comeback track is gorgeous, simple and stripped back and gives Penate a chance to reveal the real strength of his voice. The video, produced by Dani Castro was recorded in a room only two days before it was played on Zane Lowe’s show on Radio One. The song is something completely new for singer/songwriter known for well- known upbeat indie/alternative tracks such as ‘Tonights Today’ or ‘Torn on the Platform.’
Blood - The Middle East
So much good music comes out of Australia! This song is pretty much a perfect balance between happy and sad.
Sóley - Pretty Face
This is like an eerie mix between Ellie Goulding’s voice and Bon Iver’s music. I say that but it’s incomparable to anything really. I find it beautiful though.

Lucy Rose - Red Face
Often associated with Bombay Bicycle Club as she supported their tour and also featured on a selection of their album ‘Flaws’and ‘A Different Kind of Fix’, Lucy Rose is a singer/ songwriter from Warwickshire. Her voice is delicate but raspy and the music builds up from simple guitar picked backing to ambient dreaminess, in some ways reminding me of Foals.
James Vincent McMorrow - Higher Love
We Found Love - (Rihanna) Cover by Jayme Dee
Dry The River - ‘The Chambers, The Valves’
New song from London-based alternative folk band combining acoustic folk elements, with ambient backings and vocals, and punk climaxes. What makes this band stand out from other emerging folk bands today is the contrasts in moods as the atmosphere changes from mournful and delicate, to energetic, joyous and gospel like.
This song was Hottest Record In the World on Radio One last night when Huw Stephens filled in for Zane Lowe. If you haven’t heard this band already you certainly will be hearing them in 2010 as they have already been pinned down as ‘a one to watch’. ‘The Chambers, The Valves’ features on the band’s album which is to be released in March.
If you want to know more about the band here is a really good article from the Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/nov/09/new-band-dry-river, where you will find out about their interesting background, including stories about homeless-ness and Norwegian studies in Anthropology and Medicine.
For fans of: Mumford and Sons, Fleet Foxes, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Marcus Foster, Lucy Rose