Mumford & Sons - Babel

Unless you've been living under a stupid rock, you already know that Mumford & Sons new album Babel was released today. It doesn't disappoint. I wouldn't say it's better than the previous album, it's just even more of the same amazing goodness that they have been putting out since the beginning. Currently the #1 album on iTunes...as if that's a surprise.

Imagine Dragons - Radioactive

Today one of my favorite bands released their first full length album. Up to this point Imagine Dragons has released 3 EPs (that are all REALLY good). This song "Radioactive" was featured on their last EP "Continued Silence" but is also the first song on the new album entitled Night Visions. It's such a powerful, high energy song which I think really reflects the band in general. All of their songs have so much energy in them, it makes them really fun to listen to.

Purity Ring - Fineshrine

Really great song today. I've been listening to this one over and over for like two months now. "Fineshrine" by Purity Ring is loaded with deep electronic instrumentals and is complimented by the beautiful vocals of Megan James. Purity Ring is a duo from Canada that formed in 2010. The music video is a little interesting but if you've got the time, I highly recommend watching a live performance of theirs because the second member of the duo Corin Roddick plays a completely custom beat sampler/electronic drum machine with lights on it. Wild.

Birdy - The District Sleeps Alone Tonight

Sorry to anyone who actually anticipates my posts. I've been out of the country for a month but now I'm home and have some good music for you. About a year ago Birdy released a great cover of Bon Iver's "Skinny Love" which you have probably heard by now. But I'm here to tell you that if you haven't checked her out more than that, you're missing out big time. This cover of The Postal Service was on repeat during most of my vacation. I love it. Add to this great song the fact that Birdy is only 15 years old and it becomes unbelievable. This girls got talent.

Sunday Girl/The Pixies - Where Is My Mind?

A Sunday song by a Sunday Girl. This is a really great cover of an equally great song by The Pixies called Where Is My Mind. Sunday Girl is the stage name for British pop singer Jade Williams (who is just a year older than I am) The song was originally written by Black Francis of the Pixies after an experience he had while scuba diving in the Caribbean. It's an amazing song so I'll include that version below.

Passion Pit - Take A Walk

Sorry guys. I've been MIA for a bit. But here I am, back from the dead, just like the artist for today. Passion Pit has been under the radar since they released their last album 'Manners' in 2009. Now, after 3 years the group is releasing a new album entitled 'Gossamer' which comes out on July 24th (to celebrate Pioneer Day for those of us in UT). Though they've ditched the falsetto singing, this song Take A Walk still carries their typical get-up-and-dance energy as usual.

The Black Keys - Tighten Up

The Black Keys have, for years, been a band that has been suggested to me numerous times. I finally checked out their stuff today and got hooked quick. Why did I wait so long? And now I just missed them live in SLC a few weeks ago which I heard was an excellent show. Anyway, these guys rock. They've got some old blues influences but still keep a pretty modern sound. They're fun to listen to and have a different sound than most other bands out there right now.

Beach House - Bloom

In a way this post breaks tradition, but it's so worth it. I'm not sure if I've posted any songs by Beach House yet, but I've been very into them recently. Today the duo released a new CD called "Bloom". It's just as amazing as I ever could've hoped for; complete with their signature floaty organ, synth, and guitar combos. You can listen to the whole thing here for free. Then go buy it on iTunes for $8.99. It's worth it. In other good news (if you live near me in SLC) Beach House is coming to the Twilight Concert Series for only $5 on July 5th. I'll see you there.

Matisyahu - Sunshine

I've always enjoyed Matisyahu's jams. The jewish reggae rapper has been throwing down under his Hebrew name Matisyahu since around 2004 (his real name is Matthew Miller). I saw him in 2010 at the Twilight Concert Series here in SLC and thought that he put on a really great show. He's coming out with a new album and has released this new single that you can download for FREE for the next 48 hours. Just click the link in the comments!

Of Monsters And Men - Dirty Paws

I always say that the best test of a band is how they are live. That's why I decided to post the live video instead of a studio recorded version of "Dirty Paws". Of Monsters And Men makes a great album but also holds their own live. They're from Iceland so their names look more like drawings than names. They are a very new band, with beginnings that barely make it back 2 years. I feel like they are a mix of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and Angus & Julia Stone. Also check out the song "Little Talks", you may have heard it before.