Pop

Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilera, Destiny’s Child, Elton John

Up To The Ground: White Noise

French folk indie pop rockers armed with acoustic guitars, snapping fingers and unison chanty vocals. Up To The Ground's White Noise is filled with 8 relaxing feel-good tracks that reminds you of The Shins in the New Slang intro, and if they had decidedly less high pitched vocals. This is quiet, moody, relaxing music at its best. Not too happy, not too melancholic, just the right touch from these simple French rockers.

On Returning: Thieves Like Us

Sounds like feel good 80s indie pop music. If you're in for an occasional timewarp back to the era of big hair and leotards, then "Thieves Like Us" by On Returning can help you out. Thieves Like Us is composed of 8 pop alternative tracks that brings to mind New Order. Of course, it's not lost on us that the band has the same album title as a New Order song. Whether it's a straightforward nod or not, there's no doubt about the influence they retained in their music. Definitely an album worth time warping with.

all2gethernow Creative Commons Compilation 2010

Compiling together some of the best German indie label acts under a creative commons license, all2gethernow Creative Commons Compilation 2010 is one kick-ass compilation. Apart from the awesome fact that it's available for free, the record lumps together a diverse set of bands that will satisfy any fanboy or fangirl's musical cravings. From electronic to indie rock, to hip-hop and even folk music, you'll definitely find what you want in this record.

Cologne Commons Compilation 04

Cologne Commons Compilation 04 is a mix of some of the best pop, techno, electronic and dub tracks you'll find among Cologne's netlabel industry. It has become somewhat tradition during The Cologne Commons Festival to release accompanying records that help exhibit some of the best free and legal music in their part of town. The festival serves as an avenue to educate and promote free, legal music under creative commons license.

MISERY: Misery

Spanish pop rock trio with sexy, girly vocals. Misery is full length self titled debut of the band with the same name. It's made up of 10 tracks that's essentially pop rock indie music. Misery, the album, was created as a way to showcase the different facets of the band's music. Although the awkward enunciation can become annoying in instances, there are several key tracks in the album that are pretty good. Vocals are sensual while the melodies and rhythm are pretty catchy.

MoOt: Demo

Brit pop music coming from a guy that sounds like a doppelganger for Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong. Demo from Moot is a straight pop album that sticks like gum on your shoes. No matter how much you scrape it off or try and get away from it, you know it's just there. That sticky feeling stays, for a very, very long time. Moot's Demo is a compilation of 6 tracks that follow the pop song formula. Basically, it comes with a verse, chorus, bridge and a catchy melody; all this running for about 3 minutes or so, leaving you no room to get sick or bored of it.

Little Bribes: Little Bribes

Sweet voiced indie band in the same vein as Jack's Mannequin. Wisconsin natives, Little Bribes, is a perfect cookie cutter mold of some of the most popular indie bands today. With their sweet voiced vocals, reminiscent of Andrew McMahon of Something Corporate fame, plus the acoustic electronic touch just like Ben Gibbard's crew; it's hard not to fall for Little Bribes. The self titled debut album is packed with 11 indie pop tracks that makes for a great soundtrack to your everyday life. Although some songs could use professional quality recording, the album is pretty tight for an unsigned group.

Trick Seventeen: Spot On

Spot on punk pop rock sound from four German boys. It seems that Trick Seventeen were "spot on" in delivering their power pop/punk rock filled album. Spot On is the band's first album and from the looks of things, they are ready to release more. The release comes with 7 upbeat tracks that embody typical punk pop rock with a very slight tinge of emo somewhere in there. I guess, you can say they are a good cross between their favorite bands Blink 182 and Boys Like Girls.

Mel’s: Hey Girl

Young French pop artist that makes you think "pop" is okay again. Even though she might not be the next pop princess, Mel's Hey Girl is a pretty charming album. Coming from such a young singer, the tracks on this mini-album is catchy and fun to listen to. For a first release, Hey Girl is a solid compilation of 5 beautiful melodic pop rock tracks that you can play in your Ipod on a laid-back day. Mel's albums, including her latest, Take Advantage, are released under a creative commons license.