Sweet Tunes - Fiction Family

One of my favorite albums of 2008 was the collection of EP's released by Jon Foreman (lead singer of Switchfoot, showing off his softer side). And so far one of my favorites of 2009 is his collaboration with Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek fame on their Fiction Family album. The music is a nice blend of the two music styles of both artists intertwined with some unexpected sounds here and there. The first single from Fiction Family, "When She's Near" will absolutely get into your head and you'll find yourself skipping along to this infectious song. If you are fans of either of these artists and can handle a little twang in your music, pick this one up here. It's a winner.

Sweet Tunes - Sara Groves "Oh Holy Night"

One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is to over saturate my ears with Christmas music. I listen to the local radio station that plays it 24/7 when I'm driving, I listen to my own collection of when I'm at the house, and when I'm online I load up a quick mix of all of Pandora's holiday stations, minus the country music. By time Christmas Day rolls around, I'm
ready to be done with "Jingle Bell Rock" for the next 11 months. With so many arrangements of the same old tunes, it's always refreshing to come across a new Christmas CD and this season I can't stop listening to Sara Groves' latest album, "Oh Holy Night". Sara has always been at the top of my list with her powerful singing, creative musicianship, and vulnerable song writing; all of which translate beautifully to this collection of songs. Many are familiar tunes, though some have a new twist and there are a couple of original pieces including the tounge-in-cheek "Toy Packaging" which I'm sure every parent can relate to. You can pick this CD up and add it to your Christmas music rotation at her online store here.

Sweet Tunes - JJ Heller

JJ Heller has been on my Top 10 favorite musicians list since I heard her for the first time about 3 years ago. She and her husband Dave create beautiful melodies, combine them with raw and powerful lyrics and produce songs that I never tire of listening to. And to top it all off, their talent is so genuine that their live performances are just as flawless as their albums.

For the next few weeks JJ is giving away downloads of her new album "Painted Red" for free! I downloaded it just a couple days ago and haven't stopped listening to it since. Click on the banner above to be linked straight to the download site. And if you enjoy as much as I do, you'll go back and donate what you can to support this great music!

Sweet Tunes - The Submarines

I discovered The Submarines a couple months ago when they were featured on a Paste Magazine sampler CD. Though I haven't made the step of purchasing their album yet... It takes a lot for me to buy a album online or otherwise. My music tastes are so fickle by time I listen through the whole thing I'm done with it... I haven't stopped listening to their music on their website and elsewhere. Their single, "You, Me and the Bourgeosie" gets in my head and makes me smile. I was super excited when I heard it in the background of the new iPhone G3 commercial (sans lyrics). So I decided it was time to share the sweet tunes with everyone! Listen to The Submarines and do what I say not what I do and buy their album.