Genre: Folk, Alternative, Indie

Why we like it: Gregs second album brings a brighter point of view to life than his prior Through Toledo. While still seeing the glass half empty, you can really begin to believe that Laswell is getting ‘better.’ With a new upbeat title track followed by new gems ‘Salvation Dear’ and ‘Embrace Me,’ Greg delivers an EP worth the 6 bucks you can get it for on Itunes.

Why we don’t: Laswell has updated two tracks from his prior release, ‘What a day’ and ‘High and Low.’ I wish he would have offered us 2 more new tracks, but the re-dos are nice, with added strings and longer track times.

Like Artists: Ray Lamontagne, Cary Brothers, Jamie McCullum

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

Genre: folk, indiepop, singer-songwriter

Why we like it: Year of Meteors feels like a conversation that you have with Laura in a late night dorm-room type setting. She could just be making up the lyrics on the spot, or she could’ve written them down in her journal years ago. The production isn’t over the top, which makes the instrumentation simple and easily likable.

Why we don’t: Veirs doesn’t have the greatest voice, but nothing that really gets under the skin. It seems she’s a writer first and a singer third or fourth. Still a great cd, but if you’re looking for a prime vocalist, you won’t find it here… which is why it’s indie, and not pop.

Like Artists: Joanna Newsom, Rosie Thomas, William Fitzsimmons