Christmas Series #1: Andrew Belle

It's that "time of year again" and...this year, I wanted to share how much I love Christmas music. Please follow this blog closely as you never know what's gonna' show up on Tuesdays, Sundays, Fridays, Thursdays, Mondays, and other days too. Or don't. 

This is Andrew Belle

This guy..well, honestly.. I don't wanna' say toomuch about him. Just go check him out. 

Very much a singer/songwriter kinda' guy, but...what a voice. What a TALENT(s). He rules. This is the first song I heard from him, "In My Veins," but...it's Christmas. It's time to reveal one of my top FIVE Christmas songs of all time. 

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is a song that seems like everybody has done. I have about 14 versions in my library. You know what though? This is the only one you need.

He adds another layer of meaning to this song. He adds melancholy, yes, but..it's deeper. It seems to be riddled with hope, even if this year has been so tough for so many. Notice the slight/massive lyric change towards the end and tell me that doesn't inspire. 

UPDATE: He now has three total Christmas songs. Including two originals... "Whatever Happened to Christmas" is brand new, and this one from four years ago, "Back for Christmas..."SO good.

Merry Christmas!

Silver Trees in a Perfect Forest

Acoustic folk pop = straight killing it    via

Thought it was time for some softer tunes. You can stop looking for some with Silver Trees. He's got a new EP out now that's completely worth the purchase, but because you may doubt me....stay on that Noisetrade link and enjoyy!!...then..go buy the new EP Fighting the Rust.

He's definitely got some pop/folk-ish sounds, but they're flawless. It frustrates me that i've taken this long to post him on here, but now that Silver Trees has a place on this here li'l blog, i'm glad.

As you probably can see from the facebook page, he needs some serious 'LIKES!!' Please, please help and support such talent. Here's to hoping for that full-length album sometime "soon!"

[A Little] Pop But More Than jake Jess Penner

                                   A pretty and Classy one!                                             via

Time for another pretty lady voice. What's that? You're doubting me? Well shuckidarns, go download her second album then! Fine! It's called Growing In the Cold and of course it's free, but..i mean really, can't you tell Tipping her wouldn't be too much to ask?

Jess Penner is just.. Plain Classy! Although different and a little less pop-ish, her first full-length album (Love, Love, Love) is still a great listen, but if you like the NoiseTrade option more, that's fine too. i Can't decide what i like better, but if i had to pick i guess it would be the Cold one...because, i like..the cold and the poppy-ness of it but, i'm weird and i digress.

She has a loverly voice that combines well with the synthesizers, chimes, acoustic guitar, light drum beats, and whatever else is goin' on! But seriously, check Jess Penner out please, and thank Hawaii they let her settle in California to create some tunes! Plus, it turns out her mom makes Saturday Waffles-- a vital key to being successful in life..i know.

If Feeling Alone, Just Remember We Are Lonesome Animals

                           Such a Lovely sound!                              via

Sorry about the inactivity friends! Shuckidarns..getting caught up in Summer. Needed to help you all out though so here's Somethang! Well...i was hoping i'd have more info on these lovely subjects. It's crazy how secretive this group is!! Next to impossible to find pictures, bio, let alone names! For starters, i know they work with William Fitzsimmons, or did in the past.

Especially for this album, Soft Light, he had a pretty big hand in it i'm pretty sure. In other words, if you like that Fitzsimmons but would like a female version..holy..shmokes. Have you found it!

Frankly, the only reason i know of these pretty mellow voices and sounds is because of Fitzsimmons! If it weren't for him...whew. Don't know how long it'd be before i'd hear of them, let alone find them online! Lonesome Animals don't even have a standard facebook page if you look at the URL. Naturally, not having much out there on the World Wide Web, their 'likes' are Far from where they should be!

Think of it as more of that stuff to just..relax to. Go to sleep to, lie to and hope you don't fall asleep during, or any number of activities..ahem. It can be sorta' folk, with an ambient touch most likely as well. Tuneage. That's what it is.

Their excuse for not going on tour yet is needing somebody to take care of their plants?! Shoot..i'd be more than honored and Thrilled to do that if i could meet them and attend a show! Please take a listen and...take it Easy.

You Haven't Heard of The Likes Of Us?!

                 It's an over the moon sound!           via

Guess what time it is? Oh yes. Gotta' love these dynamic duos right?! i Know, i know. Before i forget, head to that fantastic tune donating site and download their album "The Likes of Us." Then close this page and listen..and..wish your life was as fun as those sounds.. Oh excuse me! You can keep reading if you'd like...naturally.

On their StageIt.com show, i asked if they want me to say anything specific on this here site. They replied, "Hmm, good question... That we're ridiculously good looking..?" Obviously they have a great sense of humor. Of course that's far from all there is about these two.

Honestly, these two are so far up on my list of Best duos i put them up there with Little & Ashley. The Likes Of Us has got that flawlessly over the moon sound. It only makes sense as they say a big influence has been the 1940s-- a euphoric time period, i think!

Besides being filled with talent, joy, and lyrics inspired by some golden years, their songs contain quite a bit of acoustic guitar pickin'/strummin', some orchestra infusion, light drum smatterings, and more.

i Know they would appreciate your support, so believe me when i say...you don't have to listen to samples of their music before you download that free album. It's just... Worth it! In all the meanings of that word, "worth!" Got me?

From Out West With Wesley Blaylock

           Soft and sad-happy, but melodious and Indie!      vie

i'm hopeful this guy looks familiar to you? If you've heard of Deas Vail, then you're in the clear because Wes is their lead singer! What's really neat is, his wife (Laura) plays with him in the band and is featured in his solo EP on the song "Falling Over You!" Go right ahead and stream it on that great old website Noisetrade.com!

If you're streaming it, you can tell something is certainly different about this guy. He sings in a sort of falsetto that is wickedly High. But, isn't it talent-infused-goodness?? He knows how to carry and push his voice wayY up there and somehow..make it sound terrific!

Basically, it's safe to say, by downloading this you will have a singer/songwriter that not many know about and sounds different than everybody else. i Like his voice because it's a pure, emotional soft, but high sound. It can go above the instruments well and fits well with his music.

Speaking of instruments, what is expected? Well his solo work is quite a bit different than his band's, but they're both so GOOD. If you're more into finding something to jam to, than check out Deas Vail. If you want something to listen to on a rainy day or fall asleep to, than check out the EP! It's got a lot more just acoustic guitar and soft drum beats.

Please check out this man, Wesley Blaylock. He may be soft and sad-happy, but it is definitely a melodious indie sound that should be discovered!