The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - Classic ABBA (1981)

ABBA songs done by an orchestra. Absolutely beautiful, rich renditions of pop classics, even if you're not so keen on the group themselves. Check it.

Sample: "Gimme Gimme Gimme, Summer Night City"

- Jake

Pleq - The Metamorphosis (2009)

The past two nights have been incredible for me. When I laid down in bed I decided to get out my mp3-player and go through the "ambient" category and just click on something I haven't heard before. Pleq came out. Both nights I went to sleep after listening to this in bed and dreamt about childhood memories I totally forgot about and never dreamt of before. This music is so extremely peaceful and relaxing. I guarantee it'll put you in a good, worryless mood in no-time. Amazing stuff to think or relax to and a recommendation to just about anybody.

Sample: "Metamorphosis Pt.1"

- Alessandro

Kool G Rap - 4,5,6 (1995)

"4,5,6" isn't hip-hop legend/pioneer of hardcore hip-hop Kool G Rap's most critically acclaimed album, but was a big inspiration to fellow rappers and also well-received by underground hip-hop lovers. Kool G Rap's flow and lyrics are extremely on point and the beats are great, with  features of MF Grimm and Nas. The album is dark and grimy with an old-school feel to it that every hip-hop fan should have in their collection and everyone that wants to get into hip-hop should have listened to. One of my favourite hip-hop gems. Great album, go get it.

Sample: "It's A Shame"

- Alessandro

The Act of Estimating as Worthless - Amongst These Splintered Minds​/​/​Leaden Thoughts Sing Softly (2012)

I'm not a fan of their bandname or the albumname at all, as I personally find it way too pretentious. And it's not even post-rock! Decided to give it a try anyhow and I did not regret it at all. This album has a folksy, harmonic, relaxed and quiet sound to it with meaningful, heart-breaking lyrics that are sung by two soft voices that blend in with the music just fine. One male vocalist. One female vocalist. Amazing stuff, and free on their bandcamp with an option to donate!

Sample: "Bones"
Download
Bandcamp

- Alessandro

Santigold - Master of My Make-Believe (2012)

Finally! While Santigold's 2008 debut had its fair share of new wave influences, her sophomore effort matures it up a bit, with more meditative beats and lyrics. The contemplative and vulnerable tribal-pop of "The Riot's Gone" is somewhat reminiscent of the styles explored on Lykke Li's Wounded Rhymes, and it's hard not to maintain the M.I.A. comparisons on the brilliant, Baruka Som Sistema-produced "Big Mouth," a song where she isn't hesitant to fire shots are her mainstream-radio contemporaries. And yet, the album is all Santigold. It may not be as readily inviting as Santogold (there aren't any "L.E.S. Artistes" or "Lights Out" tracks here), but it's a total grower and an admirable display of an artist with a vision, Miss Santi White is very well in control of her make-believe and there's no telling of where she's headed next.

Sample: "Disparate Youth"

- Jake

Dinner at the Thompson's - Off the Grid (2010)

A decadent blend of trip-hop, soul, funk, jazz, lounge, and much. Production from Fablive effortlessly keeps this show running, and Lucille Tee's street-smart vocals perform nimbly in this genre-hopping gem. Often overlooked back in 2010, don't pass up the opportunity to give it a chance.

Sample: "Spirulina Queen"

- Jake

Aus - Sonorapid (2006)

Sonorapid is the only album I know by this dude, but it's extremely nice stuff. Aus is an experimental electronic artist from Japan, and this album consists of relaxing electronic tunes that made me thank myself for deciding to check this out and to have lived this life knowing that this exists. A mix between floating ambient electronics and gentle female vocals here and there, with glitch rhythms. Totally should check it out.

Sample: "Small Time"

- Alessandro

St. Vincent - Strange Mercy (2011)

St. Vincent is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Her singing varies from being soft and adorable to screams for help. Her songs are melodies that vary from sweet, to bitter, to heavy atmosphere but are all done in a way that only St. Vincent can do it, making love to your ears. Strange Mercy is her third studio album, and is one hell of an album too. With enough attention paid to this album, you'll have a bond with every single track on this album, too. Her best work, in my personal opinion, and probably even album of the year 2011. Go get it!

Sample: "Dilettante"

- Alessandro

Behind Sapphire - Diamonds (2011)

Bursting with talent, energy, and Canadian-ness, Behind Sapphire is a band making waves. The vocals and arrangements are dynamic and multifaceted (the growled scatting of "Coconut Highways" is an absolute pleasure), the lyrics are clever and full of whimsy, and each song on the EP leaves you guessing what's next. It's clear the band has got great promise and unlimited potential for growth and an exploration of their sound. Highly recommended for fans of fun. and Foxy Shazam, they're definitely ones to look out for. Take a trip to their Bandcamp page where the EP is available at "pay what you want."

Sample: "Vancouver, Baby!"

Bandcamp

- Jake

Andrew Jackson Jihad - People Who Can Eat People Are The Luckiest People In The World (2007)

I'm sure a lot of our readers have already heard this album or this band, but for those who haven't:
Andrew Jackson Jihad is a manic depressive folk punk duo that sings about their depression, social commentary and what would make them happy. Sean Bonnette plays the guitar and does the vocals in the band, and Ben Gallaty plays the bass. 'People Who Can Eat People Are The Luckiest People In The World' is their most appreciated album, as far as I know, and it's for good reasons. Lots of great heartfelt stuff with catchy riffs and the freakin' awesome vocals provided by Sean Bonnette.

Sample: "People"

- Alessandro

Dinosaur Feathers - Whistle Tips (2012)

Following up their 2010 album Fantasy Memorial, Dinosaur Feathers lean away from the sunny, tropical, drum circle-esque 60s-inspired pop in favor of...sunny, tropical, 60s-inspired pop-rock. Electric guitars take up a larger presence than the debut, but it all fits in naturally with the band's high energy, and the vocals are just as strong as ever, be them in harmony or taking center stage. A rather fine addition to this year.

Sample: "Beatcha"

- Jake

Sea Lions - Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sea Lions But Were Afraid To Ask (2011)

Delightful twee that takes its cues from the movement's early days. Charming, jangly, and forlorn, Sea Lions hit all the right marks on their (rather verbosely-named) LP.

Sample: "A Cloud"

- Jake

Matryoshka - Zatracenie (2007)

Sorry for not updating daily, guys. I had a life the past week and I sincerely apologize. Anyway:
Yeah, I know, the cover is kind of disturbing. But believe me, the music is not! Matryoshka is a two-member band from Tokyo, Japan. This album has some lovely stuff to dream and sleep away to, or just simply relax to. Yet it's not boring at all. Mostly ambient dreampop, and has some electronic and shoegazing elements here and there. Definitely worth checking out.

Sample: "Ezekiel"

- Alessandro

Palette Town - Palette Town EP (2011)

Palette Town is an indie rock/pop band from Florida, and this EP is extremely well described by its cover. The songs are dynamic and colorful with both male and female vocals. Fun stuff, really upbeat and sort-of fast-paced music made by friendly people with catchy riffs and an old-school feel to it. And it's free! Palette Town tells us that you can't beat free, and they're right! Check it out.

Sample: "Along The Edge"
Download
Bandcamp

- Alessandro

The Olivia Tremor Control - Black Foliage: Animation Music Volume One (1999)

The Olivia Tremor Control is one of the three first bands on the Elephant 6 label, alongside Neutral Milk Hotel and The Apples In Stereo. This album contains 27 tracks and has a very warm feel to it, with some experimental elements here and there. I'd almost say that it's the 90's version of The Beach Boys! Calming vocals with waves of fulfilling sounds that will make love to your ears. Also, one of the songs has guest vocals of Jeff Mangum. Great stuff!

Sample: "A Sleepy Company"

- Alessandro

yuuponn5 - eternal fluid (2012)

Sorry for not updating for a few days now, both Jake and I had some busy days and whatnot. Anyway:
"eternal fluid" is an electronic/DnB EP of about 20 minutes long by Japanese artist yuuponn5, released under netlabel mayoware records. It's a bit basic but has an amazing vibe that will cheer you right up with lots of nostalgic sounds, fluits and other things. Extremely upbeat!

Stream
Download

- Alessandro

Canon Blue - Rumspringa (2011)

Canon Blue is a solo project of singer-songwriter Daniel James, though Canon Blue is not singer-songwriter music at all. "Rumspringa" is a 11-song orchestral pop marvel and was written while Daniel was touring the world with Danish indie rock band Efterklang, and on the Canon Blue website described as "a classical exploration of emotions, with nuanced arrangements of woodwinds, brass and percussion lending a unique tenderness to modern melodies and lyrics." It's good stuff, go check it out.

Sample: "Bows & Arrows (Vegas)"

- Alessandro

Alcest - Souvenirs D'un Autre Monde (2007)

Alcest is a musical project of French musician Neige. As a child, Neige had experiences with being in contact with a "far-off country" that he mostly refers to as "Fairy Land". Alcest is intended to be a journey for the listener to this "Fairy Land", through Neige's memories. And this album accomplishes that really well. Dreamy, peaceful music with walls of sounds and Neige's angel-like voice make Souvenirs D'un Autre Monde a phenomenal album that gives you an extraordinary experience.

Sample: "Les Iris"


- Alessandro

Julieta Venegas - Otra Cosa (2010)

On her fifth LP, Mexican singer-songwriter Julieta Venegas maintains the steady momentum of quality that has already spanned across several albums, cementing her as one of most consistent Latin pop artists around. So even when she's not breaking new personal ground, Julieta still finds plenty of room for her creativity and talent to thrive. Featuring her trademark accordion and relaxed vocals, Venegas crafts yet another album of her mature--but always whimsical--musings on love.

Sample: "Bien o Mal"

- Jake

Los Campesinos! - Hold on Now, Youngster (2008)

Sharing because I recently got reacquainted with it and, like every time it happens before, I realized it's one of my favorite albums ever. Hyperactively happy on the surface, Hold on Now, Youngster is packed with spastic guitars, twinkling glockenspiels and synths, hand-claps, and violins, all serving as the colorful backdrop to Gareth David's cleverly confessional lyrics dealing with all sorts of heartbreak (be it from a girl, society, or even punk rock). Like a post-breakup diary exploding with confetti, is a manic-depressive affair that invites you to shout-along in catharsis from the very start.

Sample: "Broken Heartbeats Sound Like Breakbeats"

- Jake

Competor - Su (2012)

"Su" is an acoustic and minimalist ambient album by Competor. No harshness at all and great to just relax, study, work, sleep or think to. It's one of those things you need in your library for that one mood you have, where no music satisfies you except for this. The last.fm avatar of Competor is really great too so you should get it at least for that. But yeah, definitely worth checking out if you need one of those ambient albums that can just blend in with your passive thoughts without bothering you with weird shit at all. It's legally free to download, too!

Stream
Download

- Alessandro

BOY - Mutual Friends (2011)

Hailing from Switzerland and Germany, BOY is actually a duo of females with a talent at solid songwriting and sweet harmonies. Their debut Mutual Friends showcases a great balance between catchy, bouncy indie pop ("Waitress") and relaxed folk workings ("Boris"). Already making waves, the girls of BOY are definitely ones to keep an eye out for.

Sample: "Little Numbers"

- Jake

Grace Potter And The Nocturals - Nothing But The Water (2005)

Grace Potter And The Nocturals is a rockband from Vermont, America, lead by Grace Potter, just in case you didn't figure that one out on your own. Grace Potter has a multi-instrumentalist with an extremely relaxing voice. "Nothing But The Water" is filled with catchy riffs, mostly cynical lyrics and Grace Potter's lovely voice range with a bluesy atmosphere. It'll keep you excited throughout the entire thing and make you want more when it's over, which'll result in replaying this album tons of times.

Sample: "Left Behind"

- Alessandro

First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar (2012)

First Aid Kit are two sisters from Sweden. Their new album, "The Lion's Roar",  is a dynamic acoustic album with a harmonic and peaceful atmosphere with the wonderful voices of the girls that blend together insanely well. It has this warming, relaxing feel to it and is very accessible. It's a mixture of more upbeat, energic songs and songs that make you relax, and the mixture is done perfectly without being annoying to the listener. Amazing folk/country/pop album. Give it a listen!

Sample: "Emmylou"

- Alessandro

Dead Man's Bones - s/t (2009)

So actor Ryan Gosling has a band. And while it's no Bruno, its kitsch-creepiness and retro-horror, gospel-tinged inspired stylings--all the more emphasized with the help of the Silverlake Conservatory of Music Children's Choir--make for an interesting listen. The spooooky themes aren't just limited to the compositions either: they're a constant motif throughout the lyrics, as Gosling and bandmate Zach Shields (for whom I'm sorry that this act will always be known as "Ryan Gosling's band") craft "love stories about ghosts and monsters." If that sounds ridiculous, it is. But tracks like "My Body's a Zombie for You" and lines like "When I think of you, flowers grow out of my grave," are so indulgently loyal to the concept, it's nearly irresistible to join in on the fun and have Halloween any time of the year.

Sample: "Pa Pa Power"

- Jake

Abnormal - Speaking In MIDI (2012)

Abnormal is a 19-year-old hip-hop producer from St. Louis and is heavily influenced by J Dilla, Flying Lotus and others. His albums contain some great upbeat hip-hop instrumental tunes that have some seriously good sampling too. One of those albums that you're always in the mood for. "Speaking In MIDI" can be downloaded for free on his Bandcamp, with a possibility to donate 3 dollars or more for 5 bonus tracks.

Sample: "The View From My Soul's Window" (20-second-version of it)
Download

- Alessandro

Suckers - Wild Smile (2010)

Hailing from Brooklyn, Suckers takes the usual "urban jungle" motif...emphasis on jungle as the heart of each of these songs feels like it grew up in the Congo, then thrust into a new neon-lit wilderness. A rather exciting listen through and through, many of the tracks hit peaks where the only acceptable way to dance to them is with arms and legs akimbo. Nearly every song has a great sing/shout-along quality to it (and a fantastic opportunity to stretch your shrieks or falsettos), definitely one of my favorites from the turn of the decade.

Sample: "A Mind I Knew"

-Jake

Stumbleine - Drifting Youth (2012)

Stumbleine is an electronic act from Bristol, England. Lovely drums, echos, dreamy atmospheres and sounds that make you think of waterfalls, forests and other wonderful natural stuff in a slow-paced, yet not boring tempo. All these things make sure that you will chill out and dream about to the very max. Of course we'll let you try before you buy with a handy sharing link, and the album's available at their bandcamp for a mere 3 pounds. An eargasm indeed.

Bandcamp
Sample: "Heart Shaped Locket"

- Alessandro

MC Shan - Down By Law (1987)

MC Shan, from Queensbridge, is one of hip-hop's pioneers and part of the infamous Bridge Wars from the late 80s. I love his debutalbum "Down By Law" to death. It's filled with entertaining stories about MC Shan's adventures in Queensbridge, as well with some disses towards KRS-One and co, over some funky 80s hip-hop beats with crazy DJ cuts and samples produced by iconic producer Marley Marl. A must-have classic for every hip-hop lover, or music-lover for that matter!

Sample: "Down By Law"

- Alessandro

Penguin Prison - s/t (2011)

Gaining notoriety with a string of remixes for other artists, Penguin Prison's (aka, Chris Glover) self-titled solo effort proves to be just as legit as his reworkings. Showing a knack for sharp pop songwriting and crafting luxurious, 80s-tinged beats, Penguin Prison presents one of the best--and unfortunately overlooked--pop albums of 2011.

Sample: "Fair Warning"

- Jake