Artist: Maps & Atlases
Album: Perch Patchwork (2010)
Song: "Solid Ground"
Link: http://www.myspace.com/mapsandatlases
Daniele says: Here's a tasty Barsuk summer release for you. The more I listen, the more I love it. In this track, there are a million things going on. It's like seeing a movie, realizing you have to see it again because you're sure there is something you missed. Upon second viewing, you hear and see more than you saw before. That's this song. Doesn't sound like it at first, but when all the instruments and beats chime in, you'll get lost, and just when you settle in, the song's over. Just like that. It's quick, but you'll probably love every minute of it.
Listen: “ Solid Ground ”
Artist: Lauren Houston
Album: Morning Time in Morning View
Song: "Best for You"
Link: http://www.myspace.com/laurenhoustonmusic
Daniele says: This pretty song is a track from Houston's second album, which she'll be celebrating with a party at Southgate House on Aug. 13. She has a smooth, sultry voice that'll grab you within beats. She's a Kentucky girl that was raised on Neil Young, James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, a great set-up for a musician, if you ask me. The track is about, well, wanting the best for someone, like the track title implies, but also about maturing, coming to grips with a previous relationship and an apology set to the tune of guitars, strings and a mellow beat. Houston is amongst the array of talented ladies we have in this town, which brings us to the next track from Jesse Thomas. Houston and Thomas are celebrating their album releases together next week.
Listen: “ Best for You ”
Artist: Jesse Thomas
Album: Hazel EP (2010)
Song: "Say Hello"
Link: http://www.myspace.com/jessethomasmusic
Daniele says: Seriously guys and gals. When I hear stuff like this, I wonder how Nickelback and Hoobastank have songs on the radio. There is a part of this track that literally gave me chills, repeatedly. Her raspy, smoky voice hits that high note in the "ohhhohhoohhhhohhhh" part, and it's amazing. Goosebump-inducing amazing. Thomas left her hometown of Covington in 2008 to pursue music in Los Angeles, not really having a set-in-stone plan. Things have worked in her favor -- she has a producer and a management deal. Not bad, eh? This is her debut album release, and locals can get it before it's officially released in September on iTunes and in stores. Remember that phrase, "Girls Kick Butt"? I hated it. It was so corny. In the case of Lauren Houston and Jesse Thomas, though, it works nicely.
Listen: “ Say Hello ”
