Local/Indie Music - "Please Don't Go" by Barcelona

Originally from Seattle, Washington, indie/rock group Barcelona has an amazing sound. With only three members in the band, they have a simple musical formula (which tends to be piano-heavy) and really is greater than the sum of it's parts.

Originally, the band created their own label called NBD in order to stay focused on writing and keeping their artistic control in tact. In 2008 they signed with Universal Records, but split from the major label in 2010. They quote other indie bands such as Lovedrug and Copeland as influences.

I could honestly listen to this song for a week straight. And the video is absolutely mesmerizing. I recommend clicking on the link and watching in full-screen HD. Enjoy.

Barcelona on MySpace.

Please Don't Go from Destinyzd on Vimeo.

International Spotlight - "Forget" by Vania and the Master

I don't know much about Vania and the Master besides that they are from Stuttgart, Germany. And that this song rocks my socks. The graphic design in this music video is tremendous as well - designed and animated by Michael Fragstein. Check it.

Vania and the Master on MySpace.

Michael Fragstein.


Forget from Michael Fragstein on Vimeo.

Shuffle Song - "Surprise Hotel" by Fool's Gold

I have honestly heard this song a million times this summer. In stores, on streets, on stereos driving down my block. It just appeals to everyone.

The members of Fool's Gold hail from Los Angeles, California and you can certainly tell. They have that Southwest, pseudo-Latino vibe happening in their music, but it doesn't overshadow their rock/pop roots. Happy, fun and just plain satisfying to listen to, I think "Surprise Hotel" is unofficially summer song of 2010. Plus, the video is just damn funny and pretty brilliant.

Fool's Gold on MySpace.

Covers - "Black and Gold" by Katy Perry

Original: "Black and Gold" by Sam Sparro.

I'm not a huge Katy Perry fan. I don't particularly love Sam Sparro. But Katy Perry covering Sam Sparro just works.

Lord knows I have an affinity for acoustic covers of R&B/Hip-Hop songs, but this truly is a great cover. The lyrics are beautiful and I think this version really allows you to hear them as opposed to the intense dance-beat that is always attributed a Sam Sparro song.

A little pop never hurt no one.



Watch the original by Sam Sparro HERE.

New Favorites - "Rabbit Song" by Boy & Bear

Boy and the Bear really impressed me at first listen. The lead singer Dave Hosking has an incredibly interesting vocal quality that you don't hear too often in mainstream music. The band as a whole generally evokes a sense of old-world/folk artistry that I wish were more present in today's music. Other bands with a comparable sound include Mumford & Sons from the UK and Blitzen Trapper from Portland, Oregon, but Boy and the Bear tend rock a bit heavier.

The music video is very Where the Wild Things Are. Gotta love it.

Boy & Bear on MySpace.

Local/Indie Music - "Second Skin" by the Gits

Certainly on the indie side of this theme, 90's grunge/punk band the Gits could have been one of the best bands of their generation. Tragically, their lead singer, Mia Zappata, was brutally raped and murdered days before signing a record deal with Atlantic Records. Over 10 years later, with her murderer in jail, their music is slowly re-emerging and gaining the respect they never received, but so rightfully deserved.

Kerry O'Kane's documentary (available on Netflix) highlights the band's short-lived career with tons of footage and live recordings from the early to mid-90s.

No video available, but a tremendous song with powerful lyrics. Worth a listen, so get to it!

International Spotlight - "Animal" by Miike Snow

Originally from Sweden, the band Miike Snow certainly has some pop/rock appeal in their sound. Although this is certainly not my most favorite Miike Snow song, this video deserves to be highlighted at the very least.

I originally found this song via Blalock's Indie/Rock Playlist for July 2010. The link is provided on the right-hand menu under "Music Sites". Check it out - I get most of my new music from this website and their recommendations.

Recommended listening: "Silvia", "Plastic Jungle", and "Sans Soleil".

Miike Snow Online.