The Oh Hello's - Hello My Old Heart

Songs like this with that singer/songwriter vibe remind me of the days when this was the type of music I listen to exclusively. Finding songs before they were on Grey's Anatomy or some WB show was kind of my specialty back in the day. While my musical leanings have grown and changed drastically, songs like this one still make my heart flutter and bring me back to the times when I consumed sweet and simple lyrics and acoustic guitars for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  

The Oh Hello's are a sister/brother duo from Texas. This is their debut EP filled with pretty melodies and some great builds leading up to hand claps and foot stomping, especially in "Trees" and "Lay Me Down". Their 4 song EP is a name your price download on bandcamp. Go get it. 

Thanks to Songs For The Day for introducing me to this, he has wonderful taste in music.

Sahara Smith - All I Need

Record Label | Myspace | Buy on Amazon

I have been obsessed with this song for months, ever since I heard it on Paste. I was unable to get my hands on it until today, when Sahara Smith's debut album was released. I love the simple country-pop tune that could be a radio hit in no time. Sahara Smith is a native Texan with an impressive debut album at the age of 21. I expect to see more of her in the future. For now, it is nice to have some refreshing new girly tunes to sing along to. For all of you Boston people, she will be playing at the Lizard Lounge on September 18th. Until the widget works, you are going to have to follow this link: All I Need by Sahara Smith

Amy Cook - Saltwater

Official | Myspace | Buy on iTunes
Here is one that got lost in the shuffle sometime in April. It is incredibly simple and sometimes that is just what you need from a song. I also suggest the song "Hotel Lights". Her new album is looking pretty good as well and you can watch a little sample video of it on her official website.

MP3: Amy Cook - Saltwater

Sarah Jaffe - Better Than Nothing

Singer/songwriter Sarah Jaffe is a great buzz-worthy talent to come out of Denton, Texas. Her first full length (14 song) album, Suburban Nature, came out in the beginning of this month and has more than a handful of solid tracks. "Clementine" is the big hit off the album and sounds like the catchiest Lucinda Williams song you can think of, but younger. Even though it is almost a five minute song it always leaves me craving an extra verse or two. More of these catchy hooks would be great: "50 states, 50 lines, 50 crying all the times, 50 boys, 50 lies, 50 I'm gonna change my mind's, I changed my mind, now I'm feeling different." Sarah Jaffe's other strong point is in the simplicity of her songs. She has some strings, drums, a guitar, and her voice and it all comes together elegantly without sounding over-produced, and without being boring. The culmination and variety of Jaffe's strengths shine in "Better than Nothing", making it the highlight of the album for me. The song starts with a barely-there guitar and her soft sultry voice until it crescendos into a strong chorus paired with violins while her voice takes on an entirely different character to the point where it sounds like two different people are singing the song. And then Jaffe seamlessly segues back to her minimalist approach without batting an eye. Check out more of her music on her myspace page. And even better, you can download these three songs (ever born again, clementine, two intangables can't be had) from her website. Enjoy the two songs below for your listening pleasure.

Sarah Jaffe - Better Than Nothing (download/listen)

Sarah Jaffe - Clementine (download/listen)