Andrew Belle, Black Bear

I have long loved Andrew Belle's The Ladder- and now, two years later, he's finally releasing a new album on August 20! Stream it over on Paste Magazine's site. 

 

Lily & Madeleine- The Weight of the Globe

Saw a blurb about them yesterday via Relevant's site- this morning I was notified that their album is over on Noisetrade. I recommend a listen, a download and a donation! 

The Civil Wars- The Civil Wars

Yeah. The Civil Wars are kind of akin the recommending that someone reads The Hunger Games or watch Downton Abbey. An obscure and small beginning to a household name. While all the drama surrounding the new release is sort of annoying- the music is solid. (as always) A lot more grit, and definitely lots of Rom-Com movie potential (I can see about 50% of these songs being featured on Grey's Anatomy or the newest chic-flick.)  But that okay with me... so while I've decided I'm over Downton Abbey, I'm gonna stick with The Civil Wars for a bit longer.