This month’s playlist includes avant garde classical, blues/R&B and indie pop/rock artists – all found on CD Baby.
Definitely check out all the tracks on these albums, but if I had to name a few “can’t miss” songs, I’d choose The Portland Cello Project’s version of Brubeck’s Take Five and Michael Grimm’s soulful Hold On I’m Comin’.
Now, on to this month’s new tunes!
August’s Indie Playlist ~
I first discovered The Portland Cello Project through The Thao & Justin Power Sessions. The Portland Cello Project is an ever-changing group of cellists and other instrumentalists that blurs genre lines (though Avant Garde Classical pretty much covers it). Thousand Words is the group’s first fully instrumental album and features collaborations with a beatboxer from NYC and Rachel Blumberg of The Decemberists and Bright Eyes.
Check ‘em out if you like: Innovative, modern instrumental music across multiple genres
I love Michael Grimm’s Leave Your Hat On for its amazing horn sections and bluesy melodies with a touch of Southern soul. Grimm’s smooth vocals and style remind me a bit of early Jonny Lang. Overall, a fantastic listen if you dig old school soul. Plus, you won’t want to miss the tracks featuring Bill Medley himself!
Check ‘em out if you like: Al Green, Bill Medley and Otis Redding
The Great Escape is the latest album from the indie rock/pop group, Scraping For Change. Overall, it’s an upbeat album that focuses on modern themes, including current social and political issues. The addition of a bit of electronic style is refreshing and pleasantly pushes the boundaries of its adult alternative rock genre.
Check ‘em out if you like: The Killers and Thirty Seconds to Mars
This month’s final album comes from Hartwell – The Whole Damn Thing. This five-track EP showcases a solid blend of rock and pop with that distinctive “college radio” indie feel. The New Jersey-based band is quirky and upbeat with a lyrical style. A great short listen!
Check ‘em out if you like: Vampire Weekend
What’s on your playlist?
Share your favorite new artists and albums in the comments below!
Obligatory disclaimer for the FTC muckety-mucks: This post contains affiliate links and if you purchase one of the rad albums I recommend here by clicking on my links, I’ll receive a small commission. It’s not enough to retire on, but it might buy me a pack of gum! Full disclosure »
