Wednesday, January 27, 2010

RollnSmokeRecords Presents: Featured New Artists

1. B.o.B. featuring Bruno Mars – “Nothin’ on You” (single) [12-15-10]. Official debut single by new-comer, Atlanta-based Bobby Ray features hip-hop sandwiched between easy, melodic hooks.

2. Dead Man’s Bones – “Pa Pa Power” [10-2-09]. Brain-child of Ryan Gosling and Zach Shields, this new band provides Halloween-like alternative track featuring full Silverlake Children’s Music Choir for background power.

3. Josh X-An-Tus – “First Time” [7-14-09]. Sweet, spare love ballad off forthcoming debut album from emerging, young R&B artist – native New Yorker, Julliard-trained – discover this fresh, new voice.

4. Jonsi -- “Boy Lilikoi” [single, to be released]. Lead singer of Icelandic group Sigur Ros casts out on his own with debut album featuring this lead single with strong and angelic vocals over digitally tweaked orchestral arrangements.

5. Surfer Blood – “Swim (to Reach the End)” from ASTRO COAST [1-19-10]. Florida newcomers with retro-sounding rock guitar get after some monster-riff-jams.

6. Broken Bells – “The High Road” (single) [1-15-09]. The lead single from forthcoming album by Danger Mouse and The Shins’ James Mercer is dreamy, alt-space pop.

7. Motion City Soundtrack -- “A Lifeless Ordinary (Need a Little Help)” from MY DINOSAUR LIFE [1-15-10]. Peppy, alternative/emo-rock off major label debut by group out of Minneapolis and Virginia with big guitar and pop vibrato hooks.

8. Amanda Blank – “Shame on Me” from I LOVE YOU [8-4-09]. The original is an electro-funk dance number off debut album from rocker out of Baltimore. The track featured here is a Viking Re-mix.

9. The Big Pink – “Dominos” from A BRIEF HISTORY OF LOVE [9-14-09]. A big alternative , noisy sound, with a repetitive yet catchy refrain – “these girls fall like dominos” – off debut album by Brit duo.

10. One eskimO – “Kandi” from One eskimO EP [7-14-09]. A mellow, prettty lost-love lament from EP released by new Brit-indie, Tori Amos opener.

11. Inna – “Hot” (single) [12-8-09]. Hot off the international dance charts, this track by dance-singer from Romania glides vocals over plucky electronica.

12. ‘The Temper Trap -- “Sweet Disposition” from CONDITIONS [10-13-09]. Choirboy vocals combined with U2-influenced guitars on this dreamy lead track off debut album from band out of Melbourne, Australia.

13. Crash Kings – “Mountain Main” from CRASH KINGS [5-26-09]. Blustery rock from debut album by alternative group out of L.A. that falls somewhere between the White Strips and Ben Folds 5.

14. Real Estate – “Beach Comber” from REAL ESTATE [11-17-09]. Breezy, easy rock ballad with plucky strings and a laid-back beach vibe by indie band out of New Jersey.

15. XX – “Hot Like Fire” from X [8-16-09]. Four pouty kids out of South London present spare, indie band chops -- on this track, covering Aaliyah -- off hyper-stylish debut album.

16. Paper Tongues -- “Ride to California” (single) [8-25-09]. Rock track with a pumping backbeat as its core by new 7-member band out of Charlotte, NC.

17. SoShy – “Morning After Dark” (single) [10-26-09]. Teaming up with Timbaland and Nelly Furtado on this smokin’ R&B track, this emerging singer-song-writer out of LA can’t lose.

18. Dead by Sunrise – “Crawl Back In” from OUT OF ASHES [8-5-09]. A big, fat, heavily riffed. Linkin-Park-like rock track by emerging band formed as a side-project by Chester Bennington, vocalist for Linkin Park.

19. Lisa Mitchell – “Neopolitan Dreams” from NEOPOLITAN DREAMS [8-11-09] Mixed with equal parts pixie and nursery rhyme, this Aussie offers this lead track off her debut album.

20. Iyaz – “Replay” (single) [7-7-09]. A pop R&B track by emerging singer out of The Virgin Islands and discovered by Sean Kingston.

21. Speech Debelle – “Spinnin’” from SPEECH THERAPY [6-09-09]. The emerging artist and winner of the U.K.’s prestigious Mercury Prize works her hard-luck life and hackneyed accent to forward this quick-paced hip-hop track.

22. Jay Sean (with Birdman) -- “Written on Her” (single) [6-23-09}. A pop hip-hop dance track laid out as rap duet featuring emerging British/Asian crossover stars who claims shawty’s got her “shwag on lean,” and who’s to argue?

23. The Drums – “Let’s Go Surfing” from FOREVER [leaked 9-21-09]. Upbeat, retro track off debut indie LP by Brooklyn quartet who sound a little like a new millennium Haircut 100.

24. Gary Go – “Wonderful” from GARY GO [5-12-09]. This geek-chic balladeer from London hits the mark on this pop single from his debut album.

25. Daniel Merriweather feat. Wale – “Change” (single) [1-30-09]. Soulful, pop-R&B from debut album by rocker out of Australia, produced by Mark Ronson.

26. Imelda May -- “Johnny Got a Boom Boom ” from LOVE TATTOO [8-18-09]. Retro boogie-woogie by emerging Irish vocalist with debut album.

27. Slaughterhouse – “The One” from SLAUGHTERHOUSE [8-11-09]. A mix between rough rap and rock with female vocal melody that moves the track along.

28. Hockey – “Too Fake” (single) [3-16-09] This emerging band out of Portland, Oregon, rides the new wave revitalist groove on this alt-rock single.

29. Mayer Hawthorne – “Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out” from A STRANGE ARRANGEMENT [9-8-09]. Off his debut album, this retro-old school throw-back and lead single showcases Hawthorne’s regretful croon.

30. Golden Silvers -- “True No. Bo. 9 Blues (True Romance)” from TRUE ROMANCE [7-7-09]. A big retro, grooving, organ-backed sound with jazzy percussions from Londoner’s debut album (snippet).

31. Aranda – “Whyyawannabringmedown” from ARANDA[7-1-09]. A big, fat, loud modern rock track – complete with hammering vocals and scratching guitar -- from the reissue of their self-titled debut album.

32. Vistoso Bosses – “Delirious” (single) [5-5-09]. A debut R&B pop single that blends simple percussion with harmonious, young female vocals.

33. Jessie James – “Wanted” from JESSIE JAMES [5-12-09]. A female pop-rocker – twangy, and on the verge of country – but holding her own with big guitar and a come-hither refrain.

34. Movits! -- “Appelknyckarjazz” from APPELKNYCKARJAZZ [7-29-09]. Even though all lyrics are in Swedish, the upbeat, jazz-swing vibe puts a smile on your face and defies a genre.

35. Company of Thieves – “Oscar Wilde” from ORDINARY RICHES [1-6-09]. With a Rolling Stones-like opening, the female vocals – a la Genevieve Schatz - drive this alt-rock track off debut album from new group rooted in Chicago.

36. BLK JKS – “Lakeside” from MYSTERY E.P. [3-3-09]. Rock band out of J-Burg who are black, grew up under Apartheid and dig The Cure, cut a trippy rock track that starts slow and builds a peppy rock jam.

37. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes – “Home” from UP FROM BELOW [7-28-09]. A kooky, orchestrated track off debut album by Ima Robot frontman Alex Ebert’s cultish 11 piece indie rock group.

38. The Killer and the Star – “Halleluja” from THE KILLER AND THE STAR [7-14-09]. An eerie rock track with electrified vocals from debut alt-rock act out of Jacksonville, Florida.

39. Verse Simmonds – “Buy You A Round” (single) [6-30-09]. A hip-hop track all about getting to it by up-from-the-bootstraps musician from The Virgin Islands.

40. Mr. Hudson and Kanye West -- “Supernova”(single) [7-21-09]. From forthcoming solo album and with plain pop appeal, Kanye West ‘s latest protégé teams up with Kanye for a slickly-produced track with hardly a trace of R&B.

41. La Roux -- “Bulletproof” (single) [6-26-09]. Upbeat, danceable track off forthcoming debut album from British electronic pop duo.

42. Florence + The Machine -- “Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up)” from LUNGS [7-6-09]. This new British, ex-choir girl sounds a bit Kate Bush-like, and this track from their debut album is big on percussion and atmospheric flourishes.

43. Livvi Franc – “Now I’m That Bitch” (single) [6-19-09]. Feisty summer mega hit debut from 20-yr.-old R&B singer out of Barbados who claims B.I.T.C.H. = Being In Total Control of Herself.” You go, girl!

44. The Gossip -- “Dimestore Diamond” from MUSIC FOR MEN [6-23-09]. This alt-dance number – spare and gritty -- is a major label debut for this indie garage band.

45. Drake -- “Successful” -- Yung Chris and Trey Songz (8/2009). An experimental new rap sound from Weezy protégé that pairs Kanye West-sounding raps against harmonic Trey Songz, all with an avant garde dissonant backbeat with poetic vibe.

46. Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears – “Gunpowder” from TELL ‘EM WHAT YOUR NAME IS! [3-17-09]. A big, boomin’ blues jam – you’re right there in the front row, shaking your money-maker – right there with the boys from Austin, TX, who are behind the vintage blues and old school R&B. Who’s in??

47. Blind Pilot -- “One Red Thread” – from 3 Rounds and a Sound [6-9-09]. An earnest, indie acoustic rocker from duo out of Portland, Oregon.

48. Zee Avi – “Bitter Heart” from ZEE AVI [5-19-09]. Only 22 when she recorded her first CD, which was quickly snapped up by Jack Johnson’s new recording label, this singer-songwriter and guitarist from Malaysia uses her sweet voice to sing old fashioned-sounding folk-pop.

49. Tina Parol -- “Who’s Got Your Money” (single) [4-7-09]. A sure-to-be future pop chart buster with easy harmonies and sing-along youth appeal.

50. Sarah Jorosz -- “Song Up in Her Head” from SONG UP IN HER HEAD [6-1-09]. 18-year old contemporary bluegrass prodigy launches debut album with this plucky title track.

51. Fever Ray -- “When I Grow Up” (single) [3-31-09]. An astonishing new experimental solo project debut by young Swedish artist filled with icy electroniac atmospheres.

52. Fast Life Yungstaz (F.L.Y.) -- “Swag Surfin’” (single) [3-24-09]. A (brand new) group hip-hop effort praising the virtues of swag.

53. Empire of the Sun – “Walking on a Dream” from WALKING ON A DREAM [4-21-09]. This Aussie-duo combines 70’s flower-power with an 80’s pop sensibility.

54. Cage the Elephant – “Aint No Rest for the Wicked” from CAGE THE ELEPHANT [4-13-09]. With initial chart success in England, this indie alt-rock band is actually from Bowling Green, Kentucky, and this is the lead track from their self-titled debut album.

55. Little Boots – “Meddle” from ARECIBO E.P. [3-24-09]. Electro up-and-comer from U.K. plays catchy futuristic disco and will release her debut album this fall. .

56. Rye Rye – “Bang” (single) [3-31-09]. Spare percussion and vocal dissonance from M.I.A protégé.

57. Wild Light – “California on My Mind” from ADULT NIGHTS [3-3-09]. New Hampshire quartet offers up big harmonica exercising in the background and harmonious vocals declaring “fuck California!”

58. Kid Cudi – “Nite and Day” (3-20-09) – Spooky R&B single from Midwestern hip-hopper whose melody you can’t shake once you’ve heard it.

… The Following Tracks are Among the Best Tracks by FEATURED NEW ARTISTS but are currently unavailable on Playlist.com. Even so, worth checking out!

1. Owen Pallett – “Lewis Takes off his Shirt” from HEARTLAND [1-12-10]. A spunky, orchestral-electronica alternative sound that mixes various sounds and vocals.

2. Lissie – “Little Lovin’” off WHY YOU RUNNIN’ EP [11-10-09]. Off debut EP, this foot-tappin’ ballad is original, modern folk by Lissie Maurus.

3. Sun – Fancy Free (single) [9-14-09]. Dayton funk band finally hits the charts with this pop dance track.

4. Lindstrom & Christabelle – “Lovesick” (12-11-09]. Down-tempo, funky track by Norwegian pair = disco producer and songstress.

5. Rod Carrillo & Shefali – “Here We Come (Ready or Not)” (single) [11-10-09]. Hot on the electronica/dance charts, this pop rock-dance fusion track is long, repetitive and danceable.

6. JD Webb -- “Big For Me” from THE INTRODUCTION [8-28-09]. The soulful R&B lead track off adult contemporary debut solo album by award-winning, prolific singer-songwriter and producer.

7. Hurricane Bells – “Freezing Rain” [11-10-09]. A train-like churning back beat combines with eerie vocals by indie artist Steve Schiltz who writes, plays and records every note on his MacBook.

8. Dave Matthias featuring Natalia Flores – “Angel on the DanceFloor” (single) – [9-15-09]. A good beat, ambient dance club track by DJ and constantly evolving dance media mogul.

9. Darrelle London – “Understand” [10-13-09]. Featuring a Regina-Spektor-like pixie voice with spare percussion and piano, this track appears on most recent 90201 soundtrack.

10. Push Play – “Midnight Romeo” (single) [9-29-09]. Pop track from edgy-pop quartet from Long Island, New York.

11. Sliimy – “Wake Up” (single) [9-8-09]. Wacky pop-club dance number off debut album by young frenchman from Saint Etiene.

12. Paloma Faith -- “Stone Cold Sober” [un-released in U.S.] Often compared to Amy Winehouse, this emerging talent from the U.K. marries upbeat R&B arrangements with jazzy, soulful lyrics on her debut album.

13. LeToya Luckett – “She Ain’t Got Shit On Me” (single) [8/4/09]. A girl-power R&B dance track, ruff on edge, just needing to know about this chick “who’s all that.

14. Satellites & Sirens -- “Light the Night” from ALL WE NEED IS SOUND EP [8-4-09]. An upbeat, harmonious rock track off latest LP from Christian rock trio out of Nashville.

15. Aimee Allen – “On Vacation” from A LITTLE HAPPINESS [6-23-09]. Suspiciously like “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” this light pop-rock track makes for a footloose and carefree break-up by a versatile new singer out of Montana.

16. Bomba Estereo – “Fuego” – [7/2009]. Creating a fresh track in the Cumbia Sicodelica genre, this Columbian duo merges country folklore, electronica, sultry female vocals and compelling percussions on this lead single from their debut album.

17. V.V. Brown -- “Shark in the Water” – [7-13-09 in UK]. The modelesque English singer-songwriter releases upbeat, pop lead single off debut set by on Island Records label.

18. Pixie Lott – “”Mama Do” (single) [6-8-09 in UK]. Keep an eye out for this emerging young siren out of the UK – forthcoming album called TURN IT UP -- in the vein of Amy Winehouse and Duffy, with a rich, bold, ballad-worthy voice. Of note: The Linus Love Mix of the song is particularly cool in a club-electronica way.

19. Lacee – “Lacee’s Groove” [5-18-09]. With an old-school soul song, this track by R&B songstress from Memphis will get swingers of all ages out onto the dancefloor.

20. Anuhea -- “I Just Want You Around” from ANUHEA [4-21-09]. A pretty, laid-back pop debut by pretty singer out of Hawaii.

21. Jim Jones and Webstar -- “Dancin’ On Me”(single) [4-28-09]. Spare beat with simple synth, filled in with plain duo raps, ready for the grind.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

RollnSmokeRecords Presents: Featured New Artists

FEATURED NEW ARTISTS

1. Broken Bells – “The High Road” (single) [1-15-09]. The lead single from forthcoming album by Danger Mouse and The Shins’ James Mercer is dreamy, alt-space pop.

2. Motion City Soundtrack -- “A Lifeless Ordinary (Need a Little Help)” from MY DINOSAUR LIFE [1-15-10]. Peppy, alternative/emo-rock off major label debut by group out of Minneapolis and Virginia with big guitar and pop vibrato hooks.

3. Amanda Blank – “Shame on Me” from I LOVE YOU [8-4-09]. The original is an electro-funk dance number off debut album from rocker out of Baltimore. The track featured here is a Viking Re-mix.

4. The Big Pink – “Dominos” from A BRIEF HISTORY OF LOVE [9-14-09]. A big alternative , noisy sound, with a repetitive yet catchy refrain – “these girls fall like dominos” – off debut album by Brit duo.

5. One eskimO – “Kandi” from One eskimO EP [7-14-09]. A mellow, prettty lost-love lament from EP released by new Brit-indie, Tori Amos opener.

6. Inna – “Hot” (single) [12-8-09]. Hot off the international dance charts, this track by dance-singer from Romania glides vocals over plucky electronica.

7. ‘The Temper Trap -- “Sweet Disposition” from CONDITIONS [10-13-09]. Choirboy vocals combined with U2-influenced guitars on this dreamy lead track off debut album from band out of Melbourne, Australia.

8. Crash Kings – “Mountain Man” – from CRASH KINGS [5-26-09]. Blustery rock from debut album by alternative group out of L.A. that falls somewhere between the White Strips and Ben Folds 5.

9. Real Estate – “Beach Comber” from REAL ESTATE [11-17-09]. Breezy, easy rock ballad with plucky strings and a laid-back beach vibe by indie band out of New Jersey.

10. XX – “Hot Like Fire” from X [8-16-09]. Four pouty kids out of South London present spare, indie band chops -- on this track, covering Aaliyah -- off hyper-stylish debut album.

11. Paper Tongues -- “Ride to California” (single) [8-25-09]. Rock track with a pumping backbeat as its core by new 7-member band out of Charlotte, NC.

12. SoShy – “Morning After Dark” (single) [10-26-09]. Teaming up with Timbaland and Nelly Furtado on this smokin’ R&B track, this emerging singer-song-writer out of LA can’t lose.

13. Dead by Sunrise – “Crawl Back In” from OUT OF ASHES [8-5-09]. A big, fat, heavily riffed. Linkin-Park-like rock track by emerging band formed as a side-project by Chester Bennington, vocalist for Linkin Park.

14. Lisa Mitchell – “Neopolitan Dreams” from NEOPOLITAN DREAMS [8-11-09] Mixed with equal parts pixie and nursery rhyme, this Aussie offers this lead track off her debut album.

15. Iyaz – “Replay” (single) [7-7-09]. A pop R&B track by emerging singer out of The Virgin Islands and discovered by Sean Kingston.

16. Speech Debelle – “Spinnin’” from SPEECH THERAPY [6-09-09]. The emerging artist and winner of the U.K.’s prestigious Mercury Prize works her hard-luck life and hackneyed accent to forward this quick-paced hip-hop track.

17. Jay Sean (with Birdman) -- “Written on Her” (single) [6-23-09}. A pop hip-hop dance track laid out as rap duet featuring emerging British/Asian crossover stars who claims shawty’s got her “shwag on lean,” and who’s to argue?

18. The Drums – “Let’s Go Surfing” from FOREVER [leaked 9-21-09]. Upbeat, retro track off debut indie LP by Brooklyn quartet who sound a little like a new millennium Haircut 100.

19. Gary Go – “Wonderful” from GARY GO [5-12-09]. This geek-chic balladeer from London hits the mark on this pop single from his debut album.

20. Daniel Merriweather feat. Wale – “Change” (single) [1-30-09]. Soulful, pop-R&B from debut album by rocker out of Australia, produced by Mark Ronson.

21. Imelda May -- “Johnny Got a Boom Boom ” from LOVE TATTOO [8-18-09]. Retro boogie-woogie by emerging Irish vocalist with debut album.

22. Slaughterhouse – “The One” from SLAUGHTERHOUSE [8-11-09]. A mix between rough rap and rock with female vocal melody that moves the track along.

23. Hockey – “Too Fake” (single) [3-16-09] This emerging band out of Portland, Oregon, rides the new wave revitalist groove on this alt-rock single.

24. Mayer Hawthorne – “Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out” from A STRANGE ARRANGEMENT [9-8-09]. Off his debut album, this retro-old school throw-back and lead single showcases Hawthorne’s regretful croon.

25. Golden Silvers -- “True No. Bo. 9 Blues (True Romance)” from TRUE ROMANCE [7-7-09]. A big retro, grooving, organ-backed sound with jazzy percussions from Londoner’s debut album (snippet).

26. Aranda – “Whyyawannabringmedown” from ARANDA[7-1-09]. A big, fat, loud modern rock track – complete with hammering vocals and scratching guitar -- from the reissue of their self-titled debut album.

27. Vistoso Bosses – “Delirious” (single) [5-5-09]. A debut R&B pop single that blends simple percussion with harmonious, young female vocals.

28. Jessie James – “Wanted” from JESSIE JAMES [5-12-09]. A female pop-rocker – twangy, and on the verge of country – but holding her own with big guitar and a come-hither refrain.

29. Movits! -- “Appelknyckarjazz” from APPELKNYCKARJAZZ [7-29-09]. Even though all lyrics are in Swedish, the upbeat, jazz-swing vibe puts a smile on your face and defies a genre.

30. Company of Thieves – “Oscar Wilde” from ORDINARY RICHES [1-6-09]. With a Rolling Stones-like opening, the female vocals – a la Genevieve Schatz - drive this alt-rock track off debut album from new group rooted in Chicago.

31. BLK JKS – “Lakeside” from MYSTERY E.P. [3-3-09]. Rock band out of J-Burg who are black, grew up under Apartheid and dig The Cure, cut a trippy rock track that starts slow and builds a peppy rock jam.

32. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes – “Home” from UP FROM BELOW [7-28-09]. A kooky, orchestrated track off debut album by Ima Robot frontman Alex Ebert’s cultish 11 piece indie rock group.

33. The Killer and the Star – “Halleluja” from THE KILLER AND THE STAR [7-14-09]. An eerie rock track with electrified vocals from debut alt-rock act out of Jacksonville, Florida.

34. Verse Simmonds – “Buy You A Round” (single) [6-30-09]. A hip-hop track all about getting to it by up-from-the-bootstraps musician from The Virgin Islands.

35. Mr. Hudson and Kanye West -- “Supernova”(single) [7-21-09]. From forthcoming solo album and with plain pop appeal, Kanye West ‘s latest protégé teams up with Kanye for a slickly-produced track with hardly a trace of R&B.

36. La Roux -- “Bulletproof” (single) [6-26-09]. Upbeat, danceable track off forthcoming debut album from British electronic pop duo.

37. Florence + The Machine -- “Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up)” from LUNGS [7-6-09]. This new British, ex-choir girl sounds a bit Kate Bush-like, and this track from their debut album is big on percussion and atmospheric flourishes.

38. Livvi Franc – “Now I’m That Bitch” (single) [6-19-09]. Feisty summer mega hit debut from 20-yr.-old R&B singer out of Barbados who claims B.I.T.C.H. = Being In Total Control of Herself.” You go, girl!

39. The Gossip -- “Dimestore Diamond” from MUSIC FOR MEN [6-23-09]. This alt-dance number – spare and gritty -- is a major label debut for this indie garage band.

40. Drake -- “Successful” -- Yung Chris and Trey Songz (8/2009). An experimental new rap sound from Weezy protégé that pairs Kanye West-sounding raps against harmonic Trey Songz, all with an avant garde dissonant backbeat with poetic vibe.

41. Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears – “Gunpowder” from TELL ‘EM WHAT YOUR NAME IS! [3-17-09]. A big, boomin’ blues jam – you’re right there in the front row, shaking your money-maker – right there with the boys from Austin, TX, who are behind the vintage blues and old school R&B. Who’s in??

42. Black Dada – “Imma Zoe” (single) [7-31-08]. A stompin’ big hip-hop groover—shoutin’ out to his island -- from Haitian- American rapper out of Ft. Lauderdale.

43. Blind Pilot -- “One Red Thread” – from 3 Rounds and a Sound [6-9-09]. An earnest, indie acoustic rocker from duo out of Portland, Oregon.

44. Zee Avi – “Bitter Heart” from ZEE AVI [5-19-09]. Only 22 when she recorded her first CD, which was quickly snapped up by Jack Johnson’s new recording label, this singer-songwriter and guitarist from Malaysia uses her sweet voice to sing old fashioned-sounding folk-pop.

45. Tina Parol -- “Who’s Got Your Money” (single) [4-7-09]. A sure-to-be future pop chart buster with easy harmonies and sing-along youth appeal.

46. David Rush -- “Shooting Star” (single) [2-17-09]. A shameless pop debut from New Jersey rapper with help from Pitbull and rocker Kevin Rudolf that combines pop and hip-hop for a slick club track.

47. Sarah Jorosz -- “Song Up in Her Head” from SONG UP IN HER HEAD [6-1-09]. 18-year old contemporary bluegrass prodigy launches debut album with this plucky title track.

48. Fever Ray -- “When I Grow Up” (single) [3-31-09]. An astonishing new experimental solo project debut by young Swedish artist filled with icy electroniac atmospheres.

49. Fast Life Yungstaz (F.L.Y.) -- “Swag Surfin’” (single) [3-24-09]. A (brand new) group hip-hop effort praising the virtues of swag.

50. Empire of the Sun – “Walking on a Dream” from WALKING ON A DREAM [4-21-09]. This Aussie-duo combines 70’s flower-power with an 80’s pop sensibility.

51. Cage the Elephant – “Aint No Rest for the Wicked” from CAGE THE ELEPHANT [4-13-09]. With initial chart success in England, this indie alt-rock band is actually from Bowling Green, Kentucky, and this is the lead track from their self-titled debut album.

52. Little Boots – “Meddle” from ARECIBO E.P. [3-24-09]. Electro up-and-comer from U.K. plays catchy futuristic disco and will release her debut album this fall.

53. TheNewNo2 -- “Another John Doe” from YOU ARE HERE [2-17-09]. A languid, atmospheric (and typical) track from debut album featuring Dhani Harrison, son of late Beatle George.

54. White Lies -- “Death” from TO LOSE MY LIFE … [1-12-09]. With an 80’s indie alt/punk sound this is the lead track from the debut album from trio rock group out of London.

55. Rye Rye – “Bang” (single) [3-31-09]. Spare percussion and vocal dissonance from M.I.A protégé.

56. Gabriella Cilmi -- “Sanctuary” from LESSONS TO BE LEARNED [1-27-09]. 17-year old siren from Australia takes up a bluesy note in this appealing single track.

57. Wild Light – “California on My Mind” from ADULT NIGHTS [3-3-09]. New Hampshire quartet offers up big harmonica exercising in the background and harmonious vocals declaring “fuck California!”

58. Jeremih – “Birthday Sex” (single) [1-24-09]. A slow jam that gets right to the heart of the matter – that’s right -- G-Spot Birthday Sex.

59. Kid Cudi – “Nite and Day” (3-20-09) – Spooky R&B single from Midwestern hip-hopper whose melody you can’t shake once you’ve heard it.

60. Erin McCarley – “Love, Save the Empty” from LOVE, SAVE THE EMPTY [1-6-09]. A singer-songwriter and Texas-gone soCal performer with an ethereally sweet voice creates an acoustic adult-alt-pop track.

61. Nickel Eye – “Brandy of the Damned” from THE TIME OF THE ASSASINS [1-17-09]. An angsty extra-curricular project from three members of The Strokes where Nikolai Fraiture (bassist) works his guitar through a repetitive indie rocker.

62. Bon Iver – “Blood Bank” (single) [1-20-09]. Wisconsin troubadour Justin Vernon’s easy vocals and mellow acoustic guitar mark his sophomore solitary effort.

63. Lisa Hannigan – “I Don’t Know” from SEA SEW [2-3-09]. A spare, pretty and simple song featuring melt-your-heart vocals from former Damien Rice side-kick.

64. Fiction Family – “When She’s Near” from FICTION FAMILY [1-20-09]. A short and sweet vocal-acoustic debut from Switchfoot singer Jon Foreman and Nickelcreek guitarist Sean Watkins.

… The Following Tracks are Among the Best Tracks by FEATURED NEW ARTISTS but are currently unavailable on Playlist.com. Even so, worth checking out!

1. B.o.B. – “Nothin’ on You” [12-15-10]. Official debut single by new-comer, Atlanta-based Bobby Ray features hip-hop sandwiched between easy, melodic hooks.

2. Lindstrom & Christabelle – “Lovesick” (12-11-09]. Down-tempo, funky track by Norwegian pair = disco producer and songstress.

3. Rod Carrillo & Shefali – “Here We Come (Ready or Not)” (single) [11-10-09]. Hot on the electronica/dance charts, this pop rock-dance fusion track is long, repetitive and danceable.

4. JD Webb -- “Big For Me” from THE INTRODUCTION [8-28-09]. The soulful R&B lead track off adult contemporary debut solo album by award-winning, prolific singer-songwriter and producer.

5. Hurricane Bells – “Freezing Rain” [11-10-09]. A train-like churning back beat combines with eerie vocals by indie artist Steve Schiltz who writes, plays and records every note on his MacBook.

6. Dave Matthias featuring Natalia Flores – “Angel on the DanceFloor” (single) – [9-15-09]. A good beat, ambient dance club track by DJ and constantly evolving dance media mogul.

7. Darrelle London – “Understand” [10-13-09]. Featuring a Regina-Spektor-like pixie voice with spare percussion and piano, this track appears on most recent 90201 soundtrack.

8. Dead Man’s Bones – “Pa Pa Power” [10-2-09]. Brain-child of Ryan Gosling and Zach Shields, this new band provides Halloween-like alternative track featuring full Silverlake Children’s Music Choir for background power.

9. Push Play – “Midnight Romeo” (single) [9-29-09]. Pop track from edgy-pop quartet from Long Island, New York.

10. Sliimy – “Wake Up” (single) [9-8-09]. Wacky pop-club dance number off debut album by young frenchman from Saint Etiene.

11. Paloma Faith -- “Stone Cold Sober” [un-released in U.S.] Often compared to Amy Winehouse, this emerging talent from the U.K. marries upbeat R&B arrangements with jazzy, soulful lyrics on her debut album.

12. LeToya Luckett – “She Ain’t Got Shit On Me” (single) [8/4/09]. A girl-power R&B dance track, ruff on edge, just needing to know about this chick “who’s all that.

13. Satellites & Sirens -- “Light the Night” from ALL WE NEED IS SOUND EP [8-4-09]. An upbeat, harmonious rock track off latest LP from Christian rock trio out of Nashville.

14. Aimee Allen – “On Vacation” from A LITTLE HAPPINESS [6-23-09]. Suspiciously like “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” this light pop-rock track makes for a footloose and carefree break-up by a versatile new singer out of Montana.

15. Bomba Estereo – “Fuego” – [7/2009]. Creating a fresh track in the Cumbia Sicodelica genre, this Columbian duo merges country folklore, electronica, sultry female vocals and compelling percussions on this lead single from their debut album.

16. V.V. Brown -- “Shark in the Water” – [7-13-09 in UK]. The modelesque English singer-songwriter releases upbeat, pop lead single off debut set by on Island Records label.

17. Pixie Lott – “”Mama Do” (single) [6-8-09 in UK]. Keep an eye out for this emerging young siren out of the UK – forthcoming album called TURN IT UP -- in the vein of Amy Winehouse and Duffy, with a rich, bold, ballad-worthy voice. Of note: The Linus Love Mix of the song is particularly cool in a club-electronica way.

18. Lacee – “Lacee’s Groove” [5-18-09]. With an old-school soul song, this track by R&B songstress from Memphis will get swingers of all ages out onto the dancefloor.

19. Josh X-An-Tus – “First Time” [7-14-09]. Sweet, spare love ballad off forthcoming debut album from emerging, young R&B artist – native New Yorker, Julliard-trained – discover this fresh, new voice.

20. Anuhea -- “I Just Want You Around” from ANUHEA [4-21-09]. A pretty, laid-back pop debut by pretty singer out of Hawaii.

21. Jim Jones and Webstar -- “Dancin’ On Me”(single) [4-28-09]. Spare beat with simple synth, filled in with plain duo raps, ready for the grind.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

RollnSmokeRecords Presents: Featured New Artists

1. The Big Pink – “Dominos” from A BRIEF HISTORY OF LOVE [9-14-09]. A big alternative , noisy sound, with a repetitive yet catchy refrain – “these girls fall like dominos” – off debut album by Brit duo.

2. One eskimO – “Kandi” from One eskimO EP [7-14-09]. A mellow, prettt lost-love lament from EP released by new Brit-indie, Tori Amos opener.

3. Inna – “Hot” (single) [12-8-09]. Hot off the international dance charts, this track by dance-singer from Romania glides vocals over plucky electronica.

4. ‘The Temper Trap -- “Sweet Disposition” from CONDITIONS [10-13-09]. Choirboy vocals combined with U2-influenced guitars on this dreamy lead track off debut album from band out of Melbourne, Australia.

5. Crash Kings – “Mountain Main” – from CRASH KINGS [5-26-09]. Blustery rock from debut album by alternative group out of L.A. that falls somewhere between the White Strips and Ben Folds 5.

6. Real Estate – “Beach Comber” from REAL ESTATE [11-17-09]. Breezy, easy rock ballad with plucky strings and a laid-back beach vibe by indie band out of New Jersey.

7. XX – “Hot Like Fire” from X [8-16-09]. Four pouty kids out of South London present spare, indie band chops -- on this track, covering Aaliyah -- off hyper-stylish debut album.

8. Sliimy – “Wake Up” (single) [9-8-09]. Wacky pop-club dance number off debut album by young frenchman from Saint Etiene.

9. Paper Tongues -- “Ride to California” (single) [8-25-09]. Rock track with a pumping backbeat as its core by new 7-member band out of Charlotte, NC.

10. SoShy – “Morning After Dark” (single) [10-26-09]. Teaming up with Timbaland and Nelly Furtado on this smokin’ R&B track, this emerging singer-song-writer out of LA can’t lose.

11. Dead by Sunrise – “Crawl Back In” from OUT OF ASHES [8-5-09]. A big, fat, heavily riffed. Linkin-Park-like rock track by emerging band formed as a side-project by Chester Bennington, vocalist for Linkin Park.

12. Lisa Mitchell – “Neopolitan Dreams” from NEOPOLITAN DREAMS [8-11-09] Mixed with equal parts pixie and nursery rhyme, this Aussie offers this lead track off her debut album.

13. Iyaz – “Replay” (single) [7-7-09]. A pop R&B track by emerging singer out of The Virgin Islands and discovered by Sean Kingston.

14. Speech Debelle – “Spinnin’” from SPEECH THERAPY [6-09-09]. The emerging artist and winner of the U.K.’s prestigious Mercury Prize works her hard-luck life and hackneyed accent to forward this quick-paced hip-hop track.

15. LeToya Luckett – “She Ain’t Got Shit On Me” (single) [8/4/09]. A girl-power R&B dance track, ruff on edge, just needing to know about this chick “who’s all that.

16. Jay Sean (with Birdman) -- “Written on Her” (single) [6-23-09}. A pop hip-hop dance track laid out as rap duet featuring emerging British/Asian crossover stars who claims shawty’s got her “shwag on lean,” and who’s to argue?

17. The Drums – “Let’s Go Surfing” from FOREVER [leaked 9-21-09]. Upbeat, retro track off debut indie LP by Brooklyn quartet who sound a little like a new millennium Haircut 100.

18. Gary Go – “Wonderful” from GARY GO [5-12-09]. This geek-chic balladeer from London hits the mark on this pop single from his debut album.

19. Daniel Merriweather feat. Wale – “Change” (single) [1-30-09]. Soulful, pop-R&B from debut album by rocker out of Australia, produced by Mark Ronson.

20. Imelda May -- “Johnny Got a Boom Boom ” from LOVE TATTOO [8-18-09]. Retro boogie-woogie by emerging Irish vocalist with debut album.

21. Slaughterhouse – “The One” from SLAUGHTERHOUSE [8-11-09]. A mix between rough rap and rock with female vocal melody that moves the track along.

22. Hockey – “Too Fake” (single) [3-16-09] This emerging band out of Portland, Oregon, rides the new wave revitalist groove on this alt-rock single.

23. Mayer Hawthorne – “Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out” from A STRANGE ARRANGEMENT [9-8-09]. Off his debut album, this retro-old school throw-back and lead single showcases Hawthorne’s regretful croon.

24. Golden Silvers -- “True No. Bo. 9 Blues (True Romance)” from TRUE ROMANCE [7-7-09]. A big retro, grooving, organ-backed sound with jazzy percussions from Londoner’s debut album (snippet).

25. Aranda – “Whyyawannabringmedown” from ARANDA[7-1-09]. A big, fat, loud modern rock track – complete with hammering vocals and scratching guitar -- from the reissue of their self-titled debut album.

26. Vistoso Bosses – “Delirious” (single) [5-5-09]. A debut R&B pop single that blends simple percussion with harmonious, young female vocals.

27. Jessie James – “Wanted” from JESSIE JAMES [5-12-09]. A female pop-rocker – twangy, and on the verge of country – but holding her own with big guitar and a come-hither refrain.

28. Movits! -- “Appelknyckarjazz” from APPELKNYCKARJAZZ [7-29-09]. Even though all lyrics are in Swedish, the upbeat, jazz-swing vibe puts a smile on your face and defies a genre.

29. Company of Thieves – “Oscar Wilde” from ORDINARY RICHES [1-6-09]. With a Rolling Stones-like opening, the female vocals – a la Genevieve Schatz - drive this alt-rock track off debut album from new group rooted in Chicago.

30. BLK JKS – “Lakeside” from MYSTERY E.P. [3-3-09]. Rock band out of J-Burg who are black, grew up under Apartheid and dig The Cure, cut a trippy rock track that starts slow and builds a peppy rock jam.

31. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes – “Home” from UP FROM BELOW [7-28-09]. A kooky, orchestrated track off debut album by Ima Robot frontman Alex Ebert’s cultish 11 piece indie rock group.

32. The Killer and the Star – “Halleluja” from THE KILLER AND THE STAR [7-14-09]. An eerie rock track with electrified vocals from debut alt-rock act out of Jacksonville, Florida.

33. Verse Simmonds – “Buy You A Round” (single) [6-30-09]. A hip-hop track all about getting to it by up-from-the-bootstraps musician from The Virgin Islands.

34. Mr. Hudson and Kanye West -- “Supernova”(single) [7-21-09]. From forthcoming solo album and with plain pop appeal, Kanye West ‘s latest protégé teams up with Kanye for a slickly-produced track with hardly a trace of R&B.

35. La Roux -- “Bulletproof” (single) [6-26-09]. Upbeat, danceable track off forthcoming debut album from British electronic pop duo.

36. Florence + The Machine -- “Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up)” from LUNGS [7-6-09]. This new British, ex-choir girl sounds a bit Kate Bush-like, and this track from their debut album is big on percussion and atmospheric flourishes.

37. Livvi Franc – “Now I’m That Bitch” (single) [6-19-09]. Feisty summer mega hit debut from 20-yr.-old R&B singer out of Barbados who claims B.I.T.C.H. = Being In Total Control of Herself.” You go, girl!

38. The Gossip -- “Dimestore Diamond” from MUSIC FOR MEN [6-23-09]. This alt-dance number – spare and gritty -- is a major label debut for this indie garage band.

39. Drake -- “Successful” -- Yung Chris and Trey Songz (8/2009). An experimental new rap sound from Weezy protégé that pairs Kanye West-sounding raps against harmonic Trey Songz, all with an avant garde dissonant backbeat with poetic vibe.

40. Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears – “Gunpowder” from TELL ‘EM WHAT YOUR NAME IS! [3-17-09]. A big, boomin’ blues jam – you’re right there in the front row, shaking your money-maker – right there with the boys from Austin, TX, who are behind the vintage blues and old school R&B. Who’s in??

41. Black Dada – “Imma Zoe” (single) [7-31-08]. A stompin’ big hip-hop groover—shoutin’ out to his island -- from Haitian- American rapper out of Ft. Lauderdale.

42. Blind Pilot -- “One Red Thread” – from 3 Rounds and a Sound [6-9-09]. An earnest, indie acoustic rocker from duo out of Portland, Oregon.

43. Zee Avi – “Bitter Heart” from ZEE AVI [5-19-09]. Only 22 when she recorded her first CD, which was quickly snapped up by Jack Johnson’s new recording label, this singer-songwriter and guitarist from Malaysia uses her sweet voice to sing old fashioned-sounding folk-pop.

44. Tina Parol -- “Who’s Got Your Money” (single) [4-7-09]. A sure-to-be future pop chart buster with easy harmonies and sing-along youth appeal.

45. David Rush -- “Shooting Star” (single) [2-17-09]. A shameless pop debut from New Jersey rapper with help from Pitbull and rocker Kevin Rudolf that combines pop and hip-hop for a slick club track.

46. Sarah Jorosz -- “Song Up in Her Head” from SONG UP IN HER HEAD [6-1-09]. 18-year old contemporary bluegrass prodigy launches debut album with this plucky title track.

47. Fever Ray -- “When I Grow Up” (single) [3-31-09]. An astonishing new experimental solo project debut by young Swedish artist filled with icy electroniac atmospheres.

48. Fast Life Yungstaz (F.L.Y.) -- “Swag Surfin’” (single) [3-24-09]. A (brand new) group hip-hop effort praising the virtues of swag.

49. Empire of the Sun – “Walking on a Dream” from WALKING ON A DREAM [4-21-09]. This Aussie-duo combines 70’s flower-power with an 80’s pop sensibility.

50. Cage the Elephant – “Aint No Rest for the Wicked” from CAGE THE ELEPHANT [4-13-09]. With initial chart success in England, this indie alt-rock band is actually from Bowling Green, Kentucky, and this is the lead track from their self-titled debut album.

51. Little Boots – “Meddle” from ARECIBO E.P. [3-24-09]. Electro up-and-comer from U.K. plays catchy futuristic disco and will release her debut album this fall.

52. TheNewNo2 -- “Another John Doe” from YOU ARE HERE [2-17-09]. A languid, atmospheric (and typical) track from debut album featuring Dhani Harrison, son of late Beatle George.

53. White Lies -- “Death” from TO LOSE MY LIFE … [1-12-09]. With an 80’s indie alt/punk sound this is the lead track from the debut album from trio rock group out of London.

54. Rye Rye – “Bang” (single) [3-31-09]. Spare percussion and vocal dissonance from M.I.A protégé.

55. Gabriella Cilmi -- “Sanctuary” from LESSONS TO BE LEARNED [1-27-09]. 17-year old siren from Australia takes up a bluesy note in this appealing single track.

56. Wild Light – “California on My Mind” from ADULT NIGHTS [3-3-09]. New Hampshire quartet offers up big harmonica exercising in the background and harmonious vocals declaring “fuck California!”

57. Jeremih – “Birthday Sex” (single) [1-24-09]. A slow jam that gets right to the heart of the matter – that’s right -- G-Spot Birthday Sex.

58. Kid Cudi – “Nite and Day” (3-20-09) – Spooky R&B single from Midwestern hip-hopper whose melody you can’t shake once you’ve heard it.

59. Erin McCarley – “Love, Save the Empty” from LOVE, SAVE THE EMPTY [1-6-09]. A singer-songwriter and Texas-gone soCal performer with an ethereally sweet voice creates an acoustic adult-alt-pop track.

60. Nickel Eye – “Brandy of the Damned” from THE TIME OF THE ASSASINS [1-17-09]. An angsty extra-curricular project from three members of The Strokes where Nikolai Fraiture (bassist) works his guitar through a repetitive indie rocker.

61. Bon Iver – “Blood Bank” (single) [1-20-09]. Wisconsin troubadour Justin Vernon’s easy vocals and mellow acoustic guitar mark his sophomore solitary effort.

62. Lisa Hannigan – “I Don’t Know” from SEA SEW [2-3-09]. A spare, pretty and simple song featuring melt-your-heart vocals from former Damien Rice side-kick.

63. Fiction Family – “When She’s Near” from FICTION FAMILY [1-20-09]. A short and sweet vocal-acoustic debut from Switchfoot singer Jon Foreman and Nickelcreek guitarist Sean Watkins.

… The Following Tracks are Among the Best Tracks by FEATURED NEW ARTISTS but are currently unavailable on Playlist.com. Even so, worth checking out!

1. Amanda Blank – “Shame on Me” from I LOVE YOU [8-4-09]. An electro-funk dance number off debut album from rocker out of Baltimore.

2. Lindstrom & Christabelle – “Lovesick” (12-11-09]. Down-tempo, funky track by Norwegian pair = disco producer and songstress.

3. Rod Carrillo & Shefali – “Here We Come (Ready or Not)” (single) [11-10-09]. Hot on the electronica/dance charts, this pop rock-dance fusion track is long, repetitive and danceable.

4. JD Webb -- “Big For Me” from THE INTRODUCTION [8-28-09]. The soulful R&B lead track off adult contemporary debut solo album by award-winning, prolific singer-songwriter and producer.

5. Hurricane Bells – “Freezing Rain” [11-10-09]. A train-like churning back beat combines with eerie vocals by indie artist Steve Schiltz who writes, plays and records every note on his MacBook.

6. Dave Matthias featuring Natalia Flores – “Angel on the DanceFloor” (single) – [9-15-09]. A good beat, ambient dance club track by DJ and constantly evolving dance media mogul.

7. Darrelle London – “Understand” [10-13-09]. Featuring a Regina-Spektor-like pixie voice with spare percussion and piano, this track appears on most recent 90201 soundtrack.

8. Dead Man’s Bones – “Pa Pa Power” [10-2-09]. Brain-child of Ryan Gosling and Zach Shields, this new band provides Halloween-like alternative track featuring full Silverlake Children’s Music Choir for background power.

9. Push Play – “Midnight Romeo” (single) [9-29-09]. Pop track from edgy-pop quartet from Long Island, New York.

10. Paloma Faith -- “Stone Cold Sober” [un-released in U.S.] Often compared to Amy Winehouse, this emerging talent from the U.K. marries upbeat R&B arrangements with jazzy, soulful lyrics on her debut album.

11. Juliana Barrios – “Papi” from LA VIDA SE VA [2-23-09]. Formerly half of the tropical pop duo Bacha (Latin Grammy, 2005), has released her debut album on her own label with this sassy Spanish track on top of the bunch.

12. Satellites & Sirens -- “Light the Night” from ALL WE NEED IS SOUND EP [8-4-09]. An upbeat, harmonious rock track off latest LP from Christian rock trio out of Nashville.

13. Aimee Allen – “On Vacation” from A LITTLE HAPPINESS [6-23-09]. Suspiciously like “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” this light pop-rock track makes for a footloose and carefree break-up by a versatile new singer out of Montana.

14. Bomba Estereo – “Fuego” – [7/2009]. Creating a fresh track in the Cumbia Sicodelica genre, this Columbian duo merges country folklore, electronica, sultry female vocals and compelling percussions on this lead single from their debut album.

15. V.V. Brown -- “Shark in the Water” – [7-13-09 in UK]. The modelesque English singer-songwriter releases upbeat, pop lead single off debut set by on Island Records label.

16. Pixie Lott – “”Mama Do” (single) [6-8-09 in UK]. Keep an eye out for this emerging young siren out of the UK – forthcoming album called TURN IT UP -- in the vein of Amy Winehouse and Duffy, with a rich, bold, ballad-worthy voice. Of note: The Linus Love Mix of the song is particularly cool in a club-electronica way.

17. Lacee – “Lacee’s Groove” [5-18-09]. With an old-school soul song, this track by R&B songstress from Memphis will get swingers of all ages out onto the dancefloor.

18. Josh X-An-Tus – “First Time” [7-14-09]. Sweet, spare love ballad off forthcoming debut album from emerging, young R&B artist – native New Yorker, Julliard-trained – discover this fresh, new voice.

19. Smashproof – “Brothers” (lead single, yet to be released in US). Funky R&B single from New Zealand group layering female vocals with hip-hop from debut album which refers to a recent controversial case in which a business man stabbed a teenage graffiti “tagger” to death.

20. Cassie Davis – “I Like It Loud” (un-released in U.S.). The scoring gold single from Australia’s up-and-coming rocker leads to a debut album to be released in August.

21. Vieux Farka Toure -- “Sarama” from FONDO [5-26-09]. Young Malian protégé masters contemporary dub.

22. KJ Rose – “Better Way” (single) [1-29-09]. An inspired, easy-listening number by soulful vocalist, songwriter and performer from Chicago’s South Side.

23. Anuhea -- “I Just Want You Around” from ANUHEA [4-21-09]. A pretty, laid-back pop debut by pretty singer out of Hawaii.

24. Jim Jones and Webstar -- “Dancin’ On Me”(single) [4-28-09]. Spare beat with simple synth, filled in with plain duo raps, ready for the grind.

25. CuCu Diamantes -- “Amor Cronico” from CUCULAND [3-17-09]. A saucy, new, sexy Spanish indie debut from fascinating lead singer-songwriter of Yerba Buena who is Spanish-African-Chinese.

26. Christelle featuring Agacee -- “Can You Handle Me” (single) – [2-20-09]. New R&B dance track from emerging pop diva.