open source music

Rushus: Stories

Dreamy instrumental and experimental jazz from a Russian trio. Stories is a reflective compilation that is filled with whimsical melodies that makes you wish all instrumental music was created this way. Aptly described by one reviewer as "a fine collection of intelligent jazz tracks;" the compilation features experimental, progressive music with touches of blues and jazz. Rushus is primarily made up of Ilya Lipkin, guitar player extraordinaire. He's accompanied by two equally talented individuals, Evgeniy Tkachev on percussion and Vladimir Nikulin playing bass. Together, they create this sonic fusion of instrumental jazz that is filled with melodic rhythms and unconventional beats. Stories isn't just perfect for a Saturday night, it serves as great background music for almost any relaxing, quiet afternoon.

Ornery Little Darlings: Ooh La la

Ornery Little Darlings create sexy indie rock that they describe as "“a highly improbable ornery-as-hell-love-child between Billie Holiday and Lou Reed." Although in places, it does sound like this, there are more elements to their songs than this. Made up of mainly Emmi Chen, Jason Ewers, and Paul Puschautz; the group's sound is characteristic of acoustic guitars, sultry female vocals and a 50/60s dirty rock vibe happening all over. It's one of those albums that make an impression after you hear the first track.

Nikoo: EP

Nikoo is noise. If you love noise pop with verses and choruses sung in chants, then this is the album you've been waiting for. Nikoo is a Dutch band that loves their pop music but only a wee bit louder, okay, much louder. Infused with dirty guitars, drawling vocals and great pop hooks and melodies; this EP certainly makes a good introduction for the band. Definitely not bad for an EP that was recorded in just three nights. Take a listen.

The Very Sexuals: Post Apocalyptic Love

The Very Sexuals have generated quite a buzz in the indie music scene by releasing their awesome melodic, folk pop infused albums. Along with their sexy name, this Dutch group creates some of the most sensual and interesting cuts around.

Post Apocalyptic Love contains some of the most interesting indie pop tracks around. Certainly an album worth playing in your iPod for a good long while.

Jay Bennett: Kicking at the Perfumed Air

Talented singer, multi-instrumentalist, producer and band member, Jay Bennett, presents us with his final work, Kicking at the Perfumed Air. This new album (released posthumously by his family after his untimely death in May 2009) is a collection of 11 beautiful, somber, melodic tracks, released according to Bennett's own production notes and preference. It is a raw and emotionally charged compilation that is endearing even to those who are not familiar with Bennett's work. Best known for his contributions in twice Grammy nominated band, Wilco, Bennett has become a respected and well-known musician in his own right. Releasing five albums in total after leaving the band in 2001 as well as contributing to various albums from other artists; he has solidified himself as a musician that is truly worth respecting and listening to.

Aaahh Records: Remix is Love

Charming indie netlabel Aaahh Records is currently revamping their site. The good news is that before going off the net for a bit, they left us with this awesome compilation called Remix is Love. It's made up of some of the best tracks from their artists and if you're familiar with aaahh records, they dish out nothing but the best folk/ indie pop artists out there. Their current roster includes Entertainment for the Braindead, Uniform Motion, Emilie Lund, Keyboard Rebel, and The Wind Whistles. Of course, since it's a remix, most of the tracks sound nowhere from the original; making it interesting and fresh. If you are used to the sweet, folk pop sound of these bands' original sound, this is a refreshing way to hear or see them in a new light.