Neil Finn/Crowded House: Beautiful Life

http://neilfinn.com/2013/07/beautiful-life-crowded-house-live-at-leigh-sawmill/

Neil Finn is a New Zealand recording artist. Though his career has been fairly lengthy, and recorded diverse albums and projects, Crowded House has only been around since 2007 (unless you count the earlier run from 1986-1996 >.>). The jazzy feel to this song is it's shining star.

Agnes Obel: Riverside

The harmony between the piano and Danish Agnes Obel's voice is grand (like the piano). More and more I'm falling in love with the Scandinavian countries. The riverside is a special place, for me and for many others, I'd hope. This song is simply about what makes the riverside special to her and she's inviting you (yes, you) to accompany her there.

"Down by the river by the boats,
Where everybody goes to be alone
Where you won't see any rising sun
Down to the river we will run"

J Roddy Walston and the Business: Caroline

J Roddy Walston and the Business is a Tennessee-based rock-and-roll band that specialize in melodic catchy tunes, driven by a strong (pounding) piano and a bit of Southern accompaniment (guitar and tambourine). The lyrics are infectious, and your toe can't help but tap.

Twenty One Pilots: Holding Onto You

Twenty One Pilots is an American indie-pop duo hailing from Columbus, Ohio. The experimental fusion of piano driven schizoid pop and lyrical uplift with rap and electronics is really interesting, while remaining lyrical and meaningful instead of just being a cacophony of noises.

"Entertain my faith".

Bassnectar (remix of Nina Simone): Feeling Good

Bassnectar (Californian Lorin Ashton) is always trying new things, or putting new spins on old things. This isn't an exception, though it's a great idea. "Dude. Let's take a big band mix with heavy jazz and soul, and throw some beats and bass in the mix!!" That's a recipe for success, any day. 

Yeasayer: Henrietta

Yeasayer is an American band based out of Brooklyn, New York, who became famous after SXSW in 2007. Yeasayer describes what it does as "middle eastern-psych-snap-gospel". Even if I knew what that was, I'd likely not disagree. Live, they're a trip. I had the pleasure of doing so, and let me tell you...it's something to be experienced. 

Slow Magic: On Yr Side

Slow Magic is a serious chill-trip. Mellow just exudes from the beats. For lack of a better word, this song is dope. Somehow blending electronic beats and echoing lyrics into a mellow fashion, you can just relax with this song while feelin' it.