Lisa Mitchell - Coin Laundry

Lisa Mitchell easily achieved a high spot on my "girl musician crushes" list this week. Lisa gained her first exposure to the music world when she came in 6th place on Australian Idol at only 16 years old. Now 21 years old Lisa has one full album and two EP's. In this video you get a sense of her quirky personality. If you don't enjoy the first video (something is wrong with you), try this one below to hear her playing an acoustic version of "Coin Laundry".

P.S. Thanks again Jocelyn

The Buena Vista Social Club - Chan Chan

Time for a little culture. As you already know I love girl singers, am a big fan of remixes/mashups, and am fascinated by people who play instruments or bands with instruments besides the classic guitar, base, drums, piano. But one of my guilty pleasures is Latin music. It's got such a relaxing, summer feel that makes all your troubles go away. "Tranquilo". The Buena Vista Social Club embodies everything I enjoy about Latin music on this one. The classic..."Chan Chan"

Mason Jennings - Dr. King

In honor of MLKJ day here's "Dr. King" by Mason Jennings. It's cut up a bit to fit with the video and there are audio clips from the "I have a dream" speech added in but you get the point if you've never heard it before. It doesn't take long to notice Masons unique, swooping voice. For some, that may be a deal breaker. For others, it might just take some getting used to. I think he's great and that the ups and downs just make it more fun to sing along with. Enjoy and happy MLKJ Day!

Andy Allen - The Friend That Saved My Life

Singer, songwriter, friend. Andy Allen is a friend of mine that put out his first album "Diamond Grove" earlier this year. This first song "The Friend That Saved My Life" is my favorite from the album. Be careful of the catchy chorus because it will be stuck in your head all afternoon after you listen to it. In a good way of course. Recently, Andy has been putting out some demos like this one below: "No Woman No Cry" by Bob Marley. It's a free download if you like it (or even if you don't, it's still free). You can buy Andy's full album "Diamond Grove" on iTunes.

Book On Tape Worm - Shadow Puppets

I saw Book on Tape Worm last night down in Provo. I'd heard of them before but this was the first time I saw them live. I was really impressed by how full of a sound they had. Also I love bands with instruments that you don't usually see in bands, like the cello. In the concert last night there was also a xylophone. They're super mellow but have a really great sound.

You'll notice the same singer here. This is one of his older bands called Night Night. They don't exist anymore but I thought I'd throw this video in just for fun. Same mellow feel with some synths added in there. I'm sure you'll agree that the singers voice doesn't quite seem to fit him.

Lake Forest - Autumn Skies

I don't have much commentary on this one besides that it's good, I love the nappy guy in the shorts standing right next to the lead singer, and I'd like to thank internet radio for helping me discover it (not pandora). The recorded version sounds better but I couldn't even find it on the YouTubes. Live is always fun though.

Los Campesinos! - By Your Hand

I heard this song once about two months ago but wasn't quite as stoked on it. It randomly came on again while I was in the shower today and I decided I liked it a lot more. The chorus is the best part with lots of energy, multiple voices, and cool synths that remind me of playing the original Nintendo. The video is pretty clever but a little morbid at the same time.

Taylor Swift (feat. The Civil Wars) - Safe & Sound

So I'm not completely blown away by this song but it is pretty good. More than anything else I get excited to see big names in music collaborating. The Civil Wars are outstanding and I have been really stoked on them lately, and then of course Taylor Swift is a girl that needs no introduction. Also I'm really excited for this movie to come out in March! Big fan.

Update 12/27

Just saw this video of a cover of "Safe & Sound" by local artist Taylor Olsen. Check it out:

Laura Marling - Rambling Man

I love girl singers. I shared this not-so-secret secret with someone over the weekend and she led me to Laura Marling (thanks Haley). Laura is a girl, and she sings. Naturally, I love her. Laura, from England, was originally part of Noah and the Whale and was once in a relationship with Marcus Mumford from Mumford & Sons. Good influences...

Admiral Fallow - Squealing Pigs

Fact: people with accents are interesting to listen to. That's half the reason why this song is so good. The other half is that it's a fun, upbeat, makes you feel good kind of song. Cool video aaaaand yeah. Check it.