December 2012

1.  Bruno Mars - Locked Out of Heaven
This new Police/James Brown mashup is awesome.  Wait, what?  It's not the Police or James Brown?  Well spank my ass and call me Charlie.  I have to admit I have a soft spot for Mr. Mars, but mainly because his silky, mocha skin makes me want to head to Starbucks.

2.  Brett Dennen - Comeback Kid (That's My Dog)
Who knew that a tall ginger kid could be so groovy? I've been on the Dennen train for about five years now, and he usually puts out quality tunes.  This record is a little more booty-shakin' than his other stuff, but I'm enjoying it, even if he doesn't have a soul.

3.  Trevor Hall - Good Rain
I came across this dude while picking through some Matisyahu stuff.   If you need a new artist to flesh out the "white guys who do reggae" section of your music collection, then look no further.  Think John Butler or Xavier Rudd, but less Australian.

4.  Tim McMorris - Made to Be Free
This cat had a jam called "Overwhelmed" in a Sam Adams commercial, which was originally what I was looking for, but this one spoke a little louder to me.  Upbeat, clap-along, windows down on a crisp, fall day kind of music.

5.  Gary Clark Jr. - Ain't Messing Around
A brother from Austin wailing away on the electric guitar, after one listen you'll be quoting Oliver Twist, "Please sir, I want some more.".

6.  Frank Turner - I Still Believe
First heard this guy while watching the Hurricane Festival 2012 concert on Palladia.  His English accent shines through in away that makes you want to eat some fish and chips while hoisting a pint.

7.  The Avett Brothers - Geraldine
I think these guys have been on every mix I've made this year.  This one is off the new record and if the Avetts are good enough for Dexter's, Michael C. Hall, they're good enough for me.

8.  The Killers - From Here on Out
They do their best Traveling Wilburys imitation on this track, except even the ugliest member of The Killers would be the best looking guy in the Wilburys by a mile.

9.  The Shins - It's Only Life
I couldn't resist this band because they were named after my favorite part of a woman, that's right people, I'm a shins man.  They are the masters of hypnotized head-nodding music and this jam is no exception.  Good stuff.

10.  The Head and the Heart - Heaven Go Easy on Me
Turn off all the lights, lay on the couch, put on your headphones and play this album from start to finish. You're welcome.

11.  Damien Jurado - Ohio
This song should be a track in an indie film as a pensive hipster travels on a bus across the midwest, contemplating living life in skinny jeans.  I have three songs by this guy and they are all completely different.

12.  Alabama Shakes - Hang Loose
If you were a rebellious white teenager in the deep south around 1952 and you snuck into the all black club in the middle of nowhere, this would be the house band that was playing in the background as you got your ass kicked.

13.  Mumford & Sons - Holland Road
Only one band sounds like M&S and this song sounds exactly like that band.

14.  Matthew Ryan - The Events at Dusk
I'm a sucker for a dark, moody singer-songwriter, so this Matthew Ryan tune is right up my alley.  If you suffer from depression or suicidal thoughts this song my just be the thing to finally get you to use the razor blade to cut vertically rather than horizontally.

15.  Melanie Martinez - Seven Nation Army
I'm not usually a fan of TV produced karaoke contests, because on any given night there is much better talent playing in small clubs across the country, but the arrangement they did for this song is pretty fantastic.