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.

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.

The Flobots - There is a war…
The Flobots - Combat
The Flobots - The Rhythm Method (Move!)

Despite what you may think, and what you may have heard out of this Denver hip-hop/rap/spoken word group, their ‘Fight with Tools’ album is damn good. Their single, Handlebars, isn’t their strongest tune, but it’s backed with a video that will spin your head.

It’s only been about 3 months since they signed a deal with Universal Republic Records, and already, they are selling out medium to large size venues. The months leading up to their deal, they were outselling major acts in album sales inside their native Denver.

Honestly, I don’t think it’s a surprise that a hip hop band with a political message is getting so much buzz. With it being an election year, our young generation is calling for a much needed change amongst our political system. Our ability to access information, music, and movies within seconds has us a bit on our heads. Because, when we ask our government to provide information about anything, we are ignored.

And this album cries out for us to be more pro-active. Regardless of its about racism, the homeless, the poor, the environment, or whatever issues are out there, The Flobots put a sense of purpose into each and every individual. Guess what? you can make a difference.

As political as I try to not be in my posts, I couldn’t help getting behind this astounding record. When Universal Republic picked up the Flobots, they picked up ‘Fight With Tools’ and didn’t touch it. All they did was re-release it nationally. And they promise not to curb the creativity, music, or message of The Flobots. I’m looking forward to future releases, and following how these guys blow the roof off apathy.

Damn, I can’t WAIT to see them live.