Welsh Bluesy Pop

If you like my post about Adele, or have already been a fan of her music, you might like the Welsh singer-songwriter, Duffy (full name is really Aimee Ann Duffy), who's debut album was the top selling album in the U.K. in 2008. I first heard her hit, "Mercy," but was just introduced to some of her other music. I would describe her voice as a combination of Adele (deep, recognizable sound) and Norah Jones (the bluesy-ness) and some of her songs even have a pop/rock aspect to them. Overall, I enjoy listening to her voice, no matter what form of music it comes in! Try it out!

Chill Bluesy Music Recommendation: Duffy's "Warwick Avenue", "Stepping Stone", "Rockferry", and "Syrup & Honey"

Funky, energetic Music Recommendation: Duffy's "Mercy" and "Rain on Your Parade"

Music Pattern with a Purpose

I've always been one to notice patterns in my every day life. I tend to lose things in "3's," and as some say, history repeats itself. Well, in the past 48 hours, I've heard 2 different musical artists, one up-and-coming (Kris Allen of American Idol), and one who's just about made it big (London's Adele), sing the same country song I've always loved with two very different spins on it. "To Make You Feel My Love," was originally by Bob Dylan, and the version I was most familiar with is by Garth Brooks, and was featured on the Sandra Bullock movie Hope Floats (1998). Now, here we are, with new artists bringing it back to life 11 years later. After enjoying a glass of wine with some co-workers in the gorgeous weather today, I was told I'd fall in love with Adele's music. When I got home, I looked her up and did just that. I found her version of this ballad, with her distinct, deep, artsy, but genuine voice (for you American Idol followers, very similar to Megan Joy Corkrey's sound)and was an instant fan. This was just 24 hours after I heard Kris Allen of American Idol sing his pop-y ballad version on Country Night for a spot on the top 10. Maybe a coincidence, or just a pattern with a purpose of bringing back a heartfealt tune to make it relevant to today's pop scene.
Chill music recommendation: "To Make You Feel My Love" by Adele. Also, try her song "Hometown Glory" for relaxing music when you're in one of those pensive moods.

I Usually Don't Settle, but here "OK is Alright With Me"

My sister Allyson and I rarely agree on music. Country is definitely a no-no for her, and half of the music she listens to I've never even heard of before. But, one singer/songwriter we strongly agree on is Eric Hutchinson. He was first noticed when his song "Rock and Roll" debuted on the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 movie soundtrack. Now, he's slowly climbing up the ranks with a similar talent to Jason Mraz, and recently opened for O.A.R. We went to the concert at Austin Music Hall, where most people were there to see O.A.R., but we had first row standing views of the guy-next-door who was full of energy, with magical fingers that powerfully hit the keyboard keys as he sang solo with maybe two backup bandmembers. We even posed for a picture with this up-and-coming artist at the end of the show!

Recommended for: fun, light-hearted, no-frills singer/songwriter material this Spring/Summer! Also good background tunes for a casual dinner party or cook-out perhaps. Favorites include "OK is Alright With Me" and "Oh!"

More music recommendations, on the more "chill" side: The Gabe Dixon Band, Johnny Helm, and Brett Dennen for work, relaxation, or rainy day music.