Akuztik Pick 21: MUMFORD & SONS

I discovered English folk rock band MUMFORD & SONS via 'Little Lion Man'. A friend linked it on Facebook and I was hooked!...Formed in 2007, The band consists of Marcus Mumford (vocals, guitar, drums, mandolin), Ben Lovett (vocals, keyboards, accordion, drums), "Country" Winston Marshall (vocals, banjo), and Ted Dwane (vocals, string bass, drums, guitar). Their debut album, SIGH NO MORE was released in the United Kingdom in October 2009, and February 2010 in the United States. The band received two Grammy Award nominations, one for Best New Artist and the other for Best Rock Song. They won the ARIA Music Award for Most Popular International Artist in 2010, and the Brit Award in 2011 for Best British Album.

Amidst all of the watered-down music we hear being pumped out of the machine, Mumford & Sons gives us a breath of the freshest air, taking us on an amazing folky/stringy/bluegrassy journey through their well-timed melodies and amazing harmonies. Go check them out!

LITTLE LION MAN beautiful song!



THE CAVE I think this is the answer to Nirvana. its been a long time coming!



WHITE BLANK PAGE they remind me so much with The Avett Brothers. Both bands are amazing!


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Akuztik Pick 20: SARAH JAFFE

If you are looking for slow melodic rock tunes then look no further to 24 year old Texas singer-songwriter SARAH JAFFE.
Jaffe released her first EP titled Even Born Again in 2008 which received good reviews by Rolling Stone Magazine. In late 2009, she was signed to Kirtland records and released her first full-length album SUBURBAN NATURE that features the incredibly beautiful song "CLEMENTINE". Listen to the track here:



You don't hear music like this on everyday radio because its music. Jaffe is a real artist that plays real music that reaches the depths of the soul. This gal deserves to sell records out the ass.

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Akuztik Pick 19: VERTICAL HORIZON

Rock group VERTICAL HORIZON represents that time in music (mid-90s) where rock-alternative music really became popular. Their album Everything You Want was a hit and the music of the same name received massive airplay in radio's/mtv that finally got the group on the world music scene.If you like Lifehouse or Live, you'll also love this band. Check out their great stuff here:

EVERYTHING YOU WANT one amazing song!...still sound as good now as it did ten years ago!


YOUR A GOD fave song from the band! It seems that everyone has forgotten about Vertical Horizon. And I don't know why because they make some kick ass music!


BEST I EVER HAD (GREY SKY MORNING) timeless!...its so soothing, yet heartbreaking!


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Akuztik Pick 18: MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS

MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS is the stage name of Marina Diamandis- a Greek-Welsh solo artist based in London, UK. Marina's deep voice mixed with her pop, electronic, eccentric sound produces some good tunes.

Her debut album The Family Jewels released earlier this year was a hit by music lovers and the critics. Songs like “Hollywood,” “I'm not a robot" and “Shampain” are perfect to dance or simply bob your head along to.

Check out the acoustic versions below:

I'M NOT A ROBOT im so pleased that she sounds good live...amazing!


HOLLYWOOD cant get enough of this song...marina sings so damn great!



SHAMPAIN love the cute little modest look at the end, especially after she just smashed it


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Akuztik Pick 17: PAULA COLE

Remember singer PAULA COLE?...she's the voice behind the theme song to Dawson's Creek I Dont Want To Wait and yez- she's returning to the music scene with a new album called ITHACA. The new record is simply solid, mature and a very good album from any perspective.

The first track MUSIC IN ME is enough proof that her superb voice is still there and shows her talent as songwriter.



Of course, who would forget the song WHERE HAVE ALL THE COWBOYS GONE that won Cole a Grammy award for Best New Artist back in 1997?...this rare performance is one of her best!


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Akuztik Pick 16: ALEX BAND

Singer ALEX BAND (born Alexander Max Band) is the former front man of The Calling, best known for their smash hit single "Whenever You Will Go" in 2001. Now on his own musically, Band released an EP in 2008 followed by his full length debut album We've All Been There in June 2010 which contains the carrier single TONIGHT.

This melodic rock ballad displays a slightly more mature and bigger sound when compared to that of The Calling era, but the vocals in it are typical of Alex: strong, compassionate and pleasantly haunting.


Another solo recording from Alex is his collaboration with SANTANA, a song called WHY DON'T YOU AND I, and you can stream his solo acoustic performance below:


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Akuztik Pick 15: TRACY BONHAM

Okay, I have to admit that i find myself getting more and more into chick rock and TRACY BONHAM is no exception.

A classically trained violinist and pianist, Bonham burst into the music scene when her critically acclaimed debut album The Burdens Of Being Upright released in 1996 and spawned the hit single Mother Mother. Later that year, she was nominated for two Grammy Awards for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance and Best Alternative Album. Since then, she recorded two more EP's and two full length albums with moderate impact.

With her great vocals, songwriting skills and rock and roll sensibility, i really cant understand why Tracy Bonham wasn't more successful.

The following songs are some of my favorite from her track list:

KISSES one of the stand-out track on the first album. love the melody and the guitar hook. A very enjoyable to listen.

ONE HIT WONDER although she's kinda perceived as like this, this track is well written and show off her excellent voice. Another awesome track from Tracy!

Last July 13, 2010, Bonham's fourth studio album Masts Of Manhatta

released under the New York city indie label Engine Room Recordings. The carrier single is Big Big Heart and you can stream it below:

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Akuztik Pick 14: MATT COSTA

I found MATT COSTA through listening to a lot of Jack Johnson's music.This dude has an incredible voice and catchy songs that once you hear them, you wont be able to stop listening.

Matt is just the music world needs right now because he thankfully doesnt follow any of the trends (angular synthy pop). Instead, he does his unique, singer-songwriter thing that shows influences from The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel to Bob Dylan. He's like the perfect balance of the new and the old, the mellow and the upbeat, and the real and the fantastical.

I would highly recommend this artist to anyone who likes great music!

MR. PITIFUL my favorite song from his 2008 cd, Unfamiliar Faces.


His third album MOBILE CHATEAU is set to be released on September 21, 2010 via Brushfire records. For more songs and a couple of free downloads, check out his website MattCosta.com. =0

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Akuztick Pick 13: AMY MACDONALD

Amy Macdonald is a very talented singer-songwriter from Scotland. Having taught herself to play guitar at the age of 12 and with a huge, raging desire to write and play songs, she spent her teens perfecting her craft.

Within a few months of sending off demos with the help of songwriter Pete Wilkinson, she finally secured a record deal with Vertigo. In 2007, Macdonald released her debut album This Is The Life that spawned the hits "Poison Prince", "Mr. Rock and Roll" and the album title track. It sold more than 3 millon copies and reached #01 mostly in Europe.

musiq here:

THIS IS THE LIFE (Acoustic )

Despite her Scottish origins, Macdonald's singing voice is described as partly Irish and similar to Dolores O'riordan of The Cranberries...And just this year, her second album A Curious Thing released under Mercury Records. =O

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Akuztik Pick 12: Duncan Shiek/Howie Day

Two of the most beautiful mellow songs ive ever heard in acoustic mode. Performed by two incredibly talented male musicians who deserves more attention in the music world.

HALF LIFE by Duncan Shiek
Shiek initially found success with his 1996 breakthrough hit single Barely Breathing that also earned him a Grammy nomination. Years later, he expanded his work in making music for the broadway stage and motion pictures including this track that appears in 2003 movie, What a girl wants.




COLLIDE by Howie Day
From the album Stop All The World Now (2004), this is Day's most successful song to date, having been featured during episodes of popular television series like Greys Anatomy, One Tree Hill, Scrubs, General Hospital, as well as in the 2005 film adapatation of Pride and Prejudice.



For more audio music videos like that, please visit this page **vonjur**
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Akuztik Pick 11: Mason Jennings

One of the best-kept secrets in pop music is singer/songwriter Mason Jennings. If you like intricate guitar work, powerful, emotive vocals and strong lyrical content, chances are you’ll dig this dude.
Listen to one of his song titled FIGHTER GIRL- the first single from his 2008 album In the Ever (under Brushfire records). This is also a classic example of acoustic pop-folk and the perfect starting point to introduce you to Mason Jenning's music.




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Akuztik Pick 09: The Avett Brothers

There's a one band that I become addicted to their songs nowadays, im talking about the folk rock trio, The Avett Brothers. I cant say enough about these guys. By just listening to their songs....all of a sudden you'll come back to your senses and realize there's a smile on your face!...

Stream their musiq here:

WILL YOU RETURN my favorite song from these guys, i love every seconds of it!

I'LL FLY AWAY what an awesome folk song!

From their 2009 album of the same title, watch this great live version of the song I AND LOVE AND YOU.

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Akuztik Pick 8: LENKA

I saw Lenka's guesting in ASAP 09 today singing her signature song, The Show. (Watch the clip here.)

Although she sounds like a second rate Lily Allen (and reminds me of Katy Perry!), she has her own musical highlights especially with the song Trouble is a friend. The acoustic version is much better than the studio one. It's pretty awesome and raw - so better check it out guyz!

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Akuztik Pick 7: ANNA NALICK

Singer-songwriter Anna Nalick create big waves in 2005 with the song BREATHE (2 AM) which become a radio hit and in the charts as well. The song was featured prominently in shows like Greys Anatomy, Charmed and a film starring Ashton Kutcher titled A Lot Like Love.

The song was included in her debut album WRECK OF THE DAY which was generally well received by music critics. The video below is the acoustic version of the same title. Buffer it and enjoy!

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Akuztik Pick 6: MATT NATHANSON

Dont know much about MATT NATHANSON but his song COME ON GET HIGHER is so addictive. Its definitely one of the best song ive ever heard...

This song is a cut from his 2008 album SOME MAD HOPE. I love the way he sings this with a rough voice that carries the perfect amount of emotion.

The good thing is its only now that the song is making waves on the chart. Surely helped when Nathanson performed it on high profile shows such as Late Show with David Letterman and Ellen.

Matt is a very talented singer-songwriter and wished that this is really the time for him to shine.

try also this:

TRIPLE J

Akuztik Pick 5: CYNDI LAUPER

maaatt!

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Akuztik Pick 5: CYNDI LAUPER

I don't dig the 80's sound but their are few artists on that decade that its hard to ignore when it comes to their musical skills and talent. One of them is CYNDI LAUPER. She may not be as big as Madonna but the entertainment industry also considers her as an icon.

Forget her colorful hair and fashion sense back then but personally she's one of my favorite female artist. Her songs have proven to be a lot more enduring than those by more critically respected artists of the 1980's. Cyndi has a string of hits that skyrocketed her to stardom. With a multi-platinum albums SHE'S SO UNUSUAL (1984) and TRUE COLORS (1986).

More albums followed in the 90's but not so successful. In 2005, THE BODY ACOUSTIC released and made her back in track. The album is a collection of her old songs done acoustically with the help of an impressive gallery of guest stars. Stream some of the cuts here:

MONEY CHANGES EVERYTHING
- a slower tempo featuring Adam Lazzara, gives an entirely new feeling to the song


TRUE COLORS
- the best song ever written and this acoustic version is truly amazing


TIME AFTER TIME
- a duet with Sara Mclachlan is emotionally satisfying with perfect pacing


SHE BOP
- a slower version to sound like a bluesy confessional


ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT
- a great live performance with reggae star Shaggy, whom I normally despise, along with most reggae music. But they did a lot of good to this song...it gets a new, pulsing, rythmic flow. I luv it!


Cyndi Lauper is an incredible performer and entertainer, and has kept her unique voice through the years.

SHE REALLY DESERVES TO BE HEARD AGAIN.

cyndi rocks!

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Akuztik Pick: FASTBALL

One of my favorite band that emerges in the 1990's, FASTBALL are composed by Miles Zuniga on guitar and vocals, Tony Scalzo on bass/vocals, and Joe Schuffield on drums. The trio from Austin, Texas hit the big time in the music scene when their 1998 album, ALL THE PAIN MONEY CAN BUY released under Hollywood records and become their most successful album to date.

It produces three Billboard charttopper singles including these two beautiful songs in an awesome acoustic versions:

FASTBALL- THE WAY


FASTBALL- OUT OF MY HEAD

more fastball here:

FASTBALL MySpace profile

FASTBALL 4 U! playlists

Akuztik Pick: Susanna Hoffs

Familiar ba sa inyo ang fez niya? If yes it's because she's SUSANNA HOFFS - the former lead vocalists of 80's all time female pop/rock band, The Bangles. Sila ang mga nagpasikat ng mga kantang Manic Monday, Walk like an Egyptian, In my room and of course the classic, Eternal Flame. The group disbanded in 1990.

Nagkaroon siya ng solo career a year later entitled When you're a boy and a self titled album na nareleased noong 1996 kung saan naging hit ang single niyang, All i want. She also appeared in various Austin Powers movies kung saan nakilala niya at naging husband ang direktor ng pelikula na si Jay Roach.

I'm an avid fan of Susanna Hoffs at inupload ko pa sa aking Imeem profile ang ilan sa mga paborito kong acoustic songs niya as a solo artists at ng kanyang dating banda. You can stream it here by just clicking the titled track:

Eternal Flame (Solo Acoustic)

Manic Monday (Solo Acoustic)

To Sir with love

Darling One


Watch her awesome acoustic performance ot the song, ALL I WANT.

Akuztik Pick: FEARLESS by Taylor Swift

Note: Just click the title track to open a new window in order to stream the full length version.

Love Story (Acoustic Version) - Taylor Swift

Hey Stephen (Acoustic version).mp3 - Taylor Swift

Fifteen (Live Version) - Taylor Swift

Youre not sorry (Live Acoustic).mp3 - Taylor Swift

Fearless - Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift - White Horse (AOL Sessions).MP3 -

***Other artists covering Taylor Swift songs? Click here