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.

Fionn Regan - Change the Locks

Today I bring you one of my favorite Irish artists. Fionn Regan is very young and extremely talented. Citing influences such as Bob Dylan, and Neil Young, Mojo magazine gave this singer songwriters second self produced disc 4 stars. While his second disc is exceptional, I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it. This is my favorite song off of his first disc, the ‘Hotel Room Ep.’ Enjoy!

Some songs hit you directly in the heart. It’s hard to give reasons why. Maybe you relate with the lyrics, maybe the music just moves you that way. Folky Bon Iver has managed to write one of these songs. Lump Sum is a beautifully layered masterpiece that grabs your ears and begs for another listen. Ambient and earthy, Iver is new on the music circut, but will be in Europe all summer. If you get the chance, you could always see him at the San Francisco Outside Lands music festival. I’ll be there.

Bon Iver - Lump Sum

Genre: Acoustic, Folk, Indie

Why we like it: A must have for anyone who likes boy singers of non-traditional value. The multi-talented Bird offers up his musical and exceptional whistling skills that will have you whistling and singing along in no time. Graceful melodies with the right dash of catchy hooks makes this organic record in the front of your playlist.

Why we don’t: He can drone a bit. Songs can be a little too lengthy at times. Andrew is a skilled musician and he knows it, so likes to show off with 5 minute songs on frequent occasions. Great for a long road trip, especially if it’s back to college.

Like Artists: Sufjan Stevens, Beirut, Bright Eyes

Genre: indie folk, acoustic, alternative

Why we like it: Everything. On his first release, Englishman Devonte Hynes highlights his ability to be a little bit acoustic, a little bit indie, and folk as hell. Short tracks don’t over complicate the disc trying to appeal to all audiences. Simple vocals and nothing fancy makes it an easy listen. If you’re looking for Celine, move along.

Why we don’t: It sounds like nothing else out of the UK. This could be considered a plus, and we’re not looking for anything as obnoxiously english as The Streets or Arctic Monkeys, but Hynes might as well be from backwoods Georgia. Any other reasons we don’t like it? not at all.

Like Artists: Bright Eyes, Blood Red Shoes, Larrikin Love