Acoustic

(Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Dashboard Confession)

James Edwards “Christmas Bells” – free melodic acoustic guitar album

As I was listening to this free and legal seasonal album by guitarist James Edwards, my wife shouted from the other room, “Is That Julian Bream?” I doubt if I can come up with a higher compliment. While Edwards may not be Bream, he is still an accomplished guitarist. Christmas Bells offers 10 classical guitar renditions of classic Christmas songs. Beautifully played and easy on the ears, this is a highly recommended download for your seasonal music collection.

Ben’s Imaginary Band “Trust” EP – songs that tickle your imagination

When everything else around you feels like a dream, you end up slipping into your own imaginary realm. And with the help of Ben's Imaginary Band, it isn't hard to achieve. Trust EP is a surreal-sounding album, with hints of melodies which seem to transport you into your own world. The band's name may be a bit contrasting with the album's name (Trust + Imaginary seems to cancel each other out), but once you hear it, you'll definitely appreciate it.

Yachar “Tu y Solo Tu” – magical, passionate instrumentals

There are times when you simply have to snuggle down in your bed, light some candles, and listen to some music which transports you back to the times when you've watched fairy tale cartoons as a child. Or maybe you need to have that special music when you ask your special someone over for a special candlelight dinner. However you want the situation to be, Yanchar's Tu y Solo Tu would give you the magical and passionate ambiance that you are looking for.

Hello Citizen “Play This At My Funeral” – an acoustic rock album produced by the great one man band

Ben Wolman has done it yet again! The one and only member of Hello Citizen produced another album that will push Rockers to their limit. “Play This At My Funeral” is Hello Citizen’s second amazing album, packed with jaw-dropping acoustic play and Indie Rock vocals that fits the mood of every listeners. It doesn’t matter if you are in your teens or in your mid-20’s and up, Hello Citizen knows how to mesmerize fans with his very awesome musical gift.

Jabberheads “Stories Collection” – a refreshing rock album from an experimental Ukrainian band

They may be from Ukraine, but that doesn’t mean they can only conquer their own country; Jabberheads are here to rule the airwaves with their album, “Stories Collection.” This album is amazingly beautiful. Packed with 10 Indie Rock tracks that you will surely love, whether or not you are a fan of the genre. Jabberheads does not only concentrate on the said genre, this album also exhibits some astonishing acoustic guitar play and body bouncing bass thud. You can say that they’re into some Acoustic and Reggae, but I think the synthesis of genres developed into only one thing, the “Jabberheads’ Rock.”

J.E.L.L.i. EP – A diverse indie/hardrock EP fused with a playfull twist

Sometimes, you find yourself thinking that most Rock-inspired artists are humorless, noisy, and full of grudge. Well, true, but it’s very comforting to find out that there are few artists that may have attached their music to Hard Rock, but still knows how to be playful and witty. J.E.L.L.i. released his self-titled EP last September 9, 2009. This album is packed with 5 tracks that will blow your world. Featured tracks in this EP may be inspired of Rock origins. Licensed under Creative Commons, this EP is one amazing project that can either push or pull your emotions.

Claire Hamill “Stage Door Johnnes” – plus ten more of her free albums

Claire Hamill is a British singer/songwriter that has been composing and recording since the 70s. She has a slew of albums over the decades and most of them can be downloaded with her blessing from her website. If you have heard of this talented musician, it is probably due to the fact that she wrote “You Take My Breath Away”, a song that became a hit for Eva Cassidy. Hamill has a soft voice in which personal intimacy wins out over power. She has been compared to Joni Mitchell but I hear a tantalizing mix of folk and traditional chanteuses like Judy Collins and Sandy Denny. She is a consummate storyteller in her lyrics. Nine albums are available on her download page and they all have high quality original songs and covers that are worth listening to.

[TED Talk] Imogen Heap plays “Wait It Out” on TED – song from her new album “Ellipse”

Fans of Imogen Heap! Get ready to be blown away by her live performance of “Wait It Out,” from her new album “Ellipse.” After a very long while, Imogen officially released her 3rd album in the market. The album has 13 amazing tracks; “Wait It Out” is the album’s 2nd track. “Ellipse” is actually climbing not only the US and UK charts, but also in the Canadian Album Charts. Too bad the album’s not available for free digital download, but many thanks to TED, Heap fans get a taste of her music live.

Hello Citizen: Hello Citizen

Another powerful Alternative Rock band is going to shake your players. Hello Citizen generously released their 1st album for digital download on January 20, 2009. This self-titled album is filled with massive guitar riffs and superb, melodic reverberation. If ever you found yourself in a situation that you're desperately needing for a new Rock album, then this one is really worth the download. And undeniably, the tracks will soon be seen and listed in your iPod's "Top 25" playlist.