City & Colour - Waiting City & Colour - Constant Knot City & Colour - Hello, I’m in Delaware

Today, when I opened up my Myspace (evil, evil myspace), they had an advertisement for City & Colour. Seems they’ve started up a new section of the social networking system called ‘Transmissions’ which features some bands that are really under the radar, and some that aren’t. (James Blunt, Nada Surf)

Having fallen in love w/ Dallas Green about a year ago, I was happy to see that they (the evil evil Myspace) covered someone who isn’t very popular, but still extremely talented. Green was the lead singer of emo/punk/indie Canadian band, Alexisonfire. Even though Alexis found some success with their music, it seems that Green had to do some recording of his own, to get it out of his system. He thus formed a solo act, City & Colour.

His first album ‘Sometimes’ became quite the hit, even with Alexis fans, despite it’s melodic acoustic nature. It is a tremendous album that bleeds passion and honesty. If you should so happen to be a fan of Bon Iver, Damien Rice, or Iron & Wine - this is your guy, if you didn’t know already.

In January, he released ‘Bring Me Your Love,’ which I just got my hands on, and I must say, is a little more mature than ‘Sometimes’ was. If you haven’t picked it up yet, you really should, if acoustic singer songwriters that have tremendous voices is your thing. Make sure you also check out the ‘Transmissions’ section of the evil myspace as well. He has a few songs, and answers a few questions. It’s good stuff. Even if it is on Myspace.

She & Him, actress Zooey Deschanel, and folk hero M. Ward met up with Steve Lillywhite to record three songs for NPR. I didn’t ‘love’ their new disc, Volume One, but I sure as hell like this. Zooeys simple, sultry vocals make me wanna find a smokey jazz club and drink vodka gimlets.

This session is a breath of fresh air for what’s going on in folk music. It’s simple. It’s easy on the ears, and Lillywhite even compliments her voice - saying that it’s good, if not better than the preceeding album. I couldn’t agree more.

Hear the session, here.

The Ting Tings - Keep Your Head Up
The Ting Tings - We Walk

It’s easy to understand why Dr. Drew would want to bring in great bands to his show, Loveline. If you’ve never heard the show, it’s basically a platform for the 12-30 age group to call in about their problems. Whether it be that their skank of a girlfriend gave them crabs, or ‘my boyfriend doesn’t like me anymore,’ it’s full of witty greatness.

What’s even more, this Wednesday, June 11th, The Ting Tings (one of my favorite new UK bands) will be in the studio with Dr. Drew and his counterpart (whoever that is these days.) It used to be Adam Corolla, but I think Adam had a problem just talking and talking, and never really answering any questions.

If you’re not familiar with The Ting Tings OR Loveline, I really don’t know what to tell you. I included some more Ting Tings for your listening pleasure, but you can find the local listing of Dr. Drew here. I hope you enjoy the show as much as I do.

Okay, so, I just got a post from Anthem magazine. If you enjoyed the music of Lykke Li this morning, make sure you check out this exclusive video of her doing some of her songs with El Perro Del Mar and Anna Ternheim. I’m smitten. Click HERE.

Lykke Li - I’m Good, I’m Gone (Black Kids Remix)
Lykke Li - Dance, Dance, Dance

Well, she’s totally buzzing. She just released her first album ‘Youth Novels’ in the UK, and Lykke Li is destined to come to the US sooner than later. If you missed her at SXSW or the handful of shows she booked over the nation afterwards, keep your head up. She’s all booked up across the pond until mid August of 08, but has about a month where she could ‘possibly’ come to the US. I’m thinking with the buzz that I’ve been getting about her, it’s gonna happen. Maybe not then, but maybe for a winter tour.

Currently, there are no slated plans to release ‘Youth Novels’ in the US, so your best bet on getting your hands on this music is by hitting up here and here and here. (visit 5. Secret Chapter)

It’s amazing that this girl is only 22 years old, has her own record label, and has music that I actually enjoy. Another artist makes it big from Myspace, and this time, I’m not even mad about it. I hope you aren’t either.