The Alternate Root Valentine's compilation was due several days ago and I've been holding off on posting anything else in anticipation because, as you know, the Alternate Root collections are some of the finest free collections around and this one was only going to be available for a very short time. But Alternate Root's server is down and shows no sign of being resurrected anytime soon. Frankly, if it were me, I think I'd just post it to their Facebook page in the interim, but I'm sure they have their reasons for not doing that.
So, anyway, I'm tired of waiting and time's a-wastin' so I figured we'd best feed the beast with a few interesting freebies I've found here and there (well, mostly there) that could be interesting additions to your Valentine's playlist. They're free, afterall, so they've at least earned an audition.
My personal favorite of this batch--for some reason--is "You Are The One" from hopeful Singapore Hip Hop artist Atoikio. Can't really learn too much more about him than that--his Facebook page is members only--but "You Are The One" has some nice lyrics and a mid-tempo Hip Hop sway that kind of reminds me of Biz Markie's "Just A Friend"...with a bit of a far Eastern accent. I just dig it and, as luck would have it, "You Are The One" appears on Atoikio's 2011 album "On My Own" (the song itself is from 2010), all of which is free. And "On My Own" also includes the song "Will You Be My Valentine" (which I didn't like as much...but, hey....free). So head to Bandcamp and pick the songs you like or just download the whole collection. It's an instant download, too. So you won't need your email address or nothin'. Parental Advisory on some of the tracks, but not on "You Are The One".
So, anyway, I'm tired of waiting and time's a-wastin' so I figured we'd best feed the beast with a few interesting freebies I've found here and there (well, mostly there) that could be interesting additions to your Valentine's playlist. They're free, afterall, so they've at least earned an audition.
My personal favorite of this batch--for some reason--is "You Are The One" from hopeful Singapore Hip Hop artist Atoikio. Can't really learn too much more about him than that--his Facebook page is members only--but "You Are The One" has some nice lyrics and a mid-tempo Hip Hop sway that kind of reminds me of Biz Markie's "Just A Friend"...with a bit of a far Eastern accent. I just dig it and, as luck would have it, "You Are The One" appears on Atoikio's 2011 album "On My Own" (the song itself is from 2010), all of which is free. And "On My Own" also includes the song "Will You Be My Valentine" (which I didn't like as much...but, hey....free). So head to Bandcamp and pick the songs you like or just download the whole collection. It's an instant download, too. So you won't need your email address or nothin'. Parental Advisory on some of the tracks, but not on "You Are The One".
There's little question that most of the best songs for romance are still the standards--the classics. And you don't get too much more classic than Hoagy Carmichael. Hoagy's "The Nearness Of You" got a fresh and fetching cover last year from New York Indie chanteuse Jeanne Marie Boes. Jeanne Marie covers a lot of stylistic ground on her official releases "A Seasoned Heart" and "Promising Girl", but I think this type of song is her forte (for another example, check "If It's Goodbye" from "Promising Girl"--great stuff). You can download "The Nearness Of You" free using the Soundcloud thingee above or by visiting Jeanne Marie's Bandcamp page. And stay in touch via Facebook or Jeanne Marie's official website. (She's pretty too--not to be too sexist about it--great Valentine's Day lips. Just sayin'.). Hope she'll give us a Christmas song later this year.
Without the Alternate Root comp, you might be longing for some Americana, Alt Folk or Alt Country. We've got something to scratch that itch. Step in to the world of Austin's D.B. Rouse and lend an ear to "Valentine's Day At The Pawn Shop" (because where else you gonna go to celebrate Valentine's Day?). This one's new for 2012 and included on the free digital album "Meal-Ticket" (which is the name D.B.'s given his guitar). You'll find "Meal-Ticket" on Bandcamp (another instant download, by the way) and, much as I like "Valentine's Day At The Pawn Shop", you should definitely check out "Full Time Job". Trust me. Might as well download the even more recent "Ants On An Atlas", too. It's there for you to be had. Or, if you feel like actually buying some of D.B.'s music, there's a complete menu available at Amazon. Visit D.B. at home, when you get the chance, and remember to say Thank You for the music.
More to come (promise), but time to wrap up this set with something a bit different...a song that isn't free. But it's definitely worth it. And, if you have any interest at all in a Valentine's Day playlist or mixtape, it's awful hard to resist a song entitled "I Hate Valentines Day". Sarah Sommers' view on the Hallmark of Holidays should be instantly relatable--especially to the ladies--and should put a smile on the faces of both the ladies and the men. Great lyrics and an almost ska flavored pop rhythm make this song a bit like the old Rupert Holmes hit "Pina Colada Song" in that it's instantly fun and catchy. Unlike "Pina Colada", this one's unlikely to be played to death so it should retain its freshness for years and years. Check out the whole EP "XOXO" on Bandcamp, but we'll make checking out "I Hate Valentines Day" easy for you and just drop it here for your sampling pleasure.
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