Genre: Soul, Singer/Songwriter, Indie

Why we like it: A UK girl to hopefully change the image that Amy Winehouse so verifiably destroyed for UK women who sing. This is a great CD if you’re into poppy little numbers, and you’re tired of that Back to Black cd, already (it’s been a year, btw.) It’s a poppy little number, but as always, I’ll blame the producers. This girl can actually sing, and some of the tracks will get ya movin.

Why we don’t: After 12 tracks of Adele, I’m ready for something else. Something else UK based, like Arctic Monkeys. There’s not much variation on the production, and they’re purely trying to showcase her vocals (which are good!), but it’s just not enough to hold my attention. Pop Pop Poppy. That being said, the single ‘Chasing Pavements’ will be stuck in my head for the next 4 days. It’s not a bad thing.

Like Artist: Amy Winehouse, Brandi Carlile (the UK version), Amy Macdonald

Genre: indie, singer-songwriter, piano

Why we like it: Alison Sudol, the brains and beauty behind AFF is absolutely adorable. It rings through her catchy hooks and melodies. While not as popular as some other female artists on the market right now, she will be soon. Her songs are brilliant, and her voice is of the highest, purest caliber.

Why we don’t: Poppy, Poppy, Poppy. And we’re not talking flowers here. Soon, you will probably hear this cd all over the radio, especially since she’s compared to the artists that you will see below. We just wanted to give you a heads up. But, it really is true, if you dig the ‘like artists,’ Sunol will now be your new fav.
Like Artists: Colbie Caillat, Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson

Genre: alt-country, acoustic, singer-songwriter

Why we like it: Canadian s/s Edwards delivers a powerful performance in a love you/hate you relationship. Seems it’s written from an honest place. It’s intimate to a point that makes you feel uncomfortable, like someone is undressing you with their words. If you’re into the acoustic women, you’ll dig it too.

Why we don’t: More on the country side of the alt-country tag. Canadians aren’t supposed to have this much twang wethinks. She definitely listens to a lot of Lucinda Williams, and it’s easy to tell she had a country upbringing. Don’t fault us for not liking country. Please.

Like Artists: Lucinda Williams, Patty Griffin, Sarah Harmer

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