Carina Round: Backseat

Carina Round is an entertaining British artist who is all over the musical map, although she is generally described as a singer/songwriter (such a broad label).  When she chooses to perform songs like Backseat, below, she has a wonderful sweetness to her voice, although she often sings edgier tunes.  Backseat is off her EP Things You Should Know, released last year.

Giuseppe Di Stefano

Just sit back and enjoy as this great Sicilian tenor nails that famous High C note.

The Black Keys: Tighten Up

It's hard to believe, because they create so much sound, but The Black Keys are a two man group from Akron, Ohio.  Their music is heavily influenced by the blues-based and psychedelic rock traditions.  The song below, Tighten Up, is a single off their 2010 album Brothers, which debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200.

Moonshine Hooligans

This folksy rock group out of Charlottesville, Virginia has a debut album entitled Subterranean Secrets scheduled to be released on October 26th.  Their music is straightforward rock with some twists; think Elliot Smith meets Wilco with a little Tom Petty thrown in for good measure. My guess is that this is a band that really shines when playing live, as their songs seem written to jam out.  The tune below is called Intro.

Rae Spoon: Love is a Hunter

Love is a Hunter is the title track off this Canadian artist's seventh album, released last month.  His website is here.    

Big Mama Thornton: Hound Dog

Here is a 1965 recording of the song that was a number one hit for her on the R&B charts back in 1952. This version has Buddy Guy on guitar.  A guy named Elvis also recorded this at some point.

Florence + The Machine: Cosmic Love

Florence Welch and her band have a layered and dramatic pop sound with an irresistible presentation.  Welch's edgy voice drives the music and has a tremendous range, from breathy whispers to out-of-control (but in tune) screams.  The single below, Cosmic Love, was released in July and is off their album, Lungs.