Ben Howard - Esmerelda

Ben Howard is sharing a new song from his EP, 'Esmerelda', a song he's been playing during his live shows. Much like the video it's dark and a bit menacing. It's a beautiful and twisted song that sounds like it was too dark for his debut album, but it's too stunning of a song to have not recorded. The angry sea in this video is a perfect backdrop. The new EP is titled Burgh Island EP and if it's limited vinyl (1000) you want, you'll have to wait for December 10th. Or you can buy now via iTunes if you're in the UK or get it November 6th if you're elsewhere. (via The Music Hoarder)

Ben Howard - Under the Same Sun

Ben Howard's debut album, Every Kingdom, is one you should know about and not just because he's popular enough to have billboards around the UK. His voice, not unlike that of James Vincent McMorrow, set against the jangly guitars makes his music instantly likable if you have any tendency to lean towards the folk rock types. The hooks work really well in songs like "Old Pine", "Keep Your Head Up", and "Only Love" and usually involve speeding up the tempo and background vocals singing la la lahs, it's catchy but makes you want to skip through the slower ballads to get to the fun stuff that will have you involuntarily head bopping and tapping your toes. You'll also want to make sure to watch the ridiculous moves from street trials riding star Danny Macaskill has in this video soundtracked by Ben Howard's "The Wolves" as well.

Ben Howard - Under the Same Sun

 Ben Howard - "Keep Your Head Up" 

Monday's Mix

These five song should help you kick monday in the face. I've been consistently satisfied and going back for more from all of these guys and wish I had more time to wax poetic on them. But all that really matters is the music and that you have a listen. Enjoy.

Ben Howard - Old Pine
"As the old pine fell, we sang just to bless the morning." This UK singer has one of those voices that melts your heart, his debut album is due out October 3rd and I have a feeling you'll be hearing a lot about him. [Website]


Alessi's Ark - Wire
Alessi is another voice that you'll find yourself gravitating towards. She'll be touring the U.S. with Laura Marling this September which is a line up that couldn't be more perfect. A huge thanks to The Waiting Room for playing her songs months ago. I now have her entire discography and I highly recommend checking it out. [Website]


Ravenna Woods - Graves
Ravenna Woods is one of those Seattle bands I'm obsessed with and I've been patiently waiting for them to tour the east coast. [Bandcamp]

Deer Tick - Miss K
This summer I became an accidental fan of Deer Tick. I half heartedly liked them before, but somehow managed to see them three times over the course of a month and their goofy we're just here to have fun stage demeanor made me like them a whole lot more. So what if they botch songs? They look like they're having a genuine blast. I love that. [Website]

 Lana Del Rey "Video Games" 
Lana Del Rey is bound for main stream radio. I imagine in a few months you'll hear her music blasting out of college dorm rooms and soundtrack clothing stores at the mall. Have a good listen now before it undoubtedly gets over played.