Courtney Olson’s angsty but sweet lovepop

Courtney Olson

Here’s something new. Instead of combing the interwebs for an album to review, I stumbled upon this Tweet containing my favorite search term “free mp3,” which in turn led to the blog, and then the MySpace page of one Courtney Olson, indie singer-songwriter whose pop sensibilities would put many mainstream artists to shame. A quick email and a half later, and I was given two tracks to review and disseminate freely on the web. And so here we are.

Featuring excellent songwriting, some rhythm piano skills, and a wide vocal range that sounds close to Jewel, Vanessa Carlton, Dido, and Debbie Gibson (maybe not the best comparisons, except for the fact that I like three of the four), Olson comes across as young, genuine, positive and heartfelt.

The first track “Better Not Settle” is a bittersweet separation song, about not settling for anything less than finding your one and only. The refrain is a catchy gem, with the melody searing permanently into your brain. The second “Catch Me, I’m Falling” has her tossing snow up in the air, giddily in love. Although the lyrics are chock-full of cliches, the vocal performance helps you forget and instead, swoon in the artist’s overflowing emotions.

Both tracks are ballads with a simple acoustic piano accompaniment, which seems inadequate for the power her vocal cords can throw. I’d love to hear these tracks produced with a full band backing her up, where she can unleash the angst. The two songs are well worth the download for pop music lovers, and for lovers in general. All hail this up-and-coming pop balladeer.

Courtney Olson is a 22-year-old Minnesota musician who just officially graduated with her Bachelor of Music degree. Make her happy. Tell her you like her music and that Audiostylites sent ya.

LINKS:
Download both songs in one zip file [9.2 MB] Encoded at 160 kbps, 44.1 kHz, stereo.

Courtney Olson’s Myspace Page.

Lady Lynch’s haunting indie rock is a joyful division

LadyLynch II

Track 1 “New Plans For New Days” begins with two guitars doing single note riffs, a muted drumset, and a singsong spokenword (and then rawking out) vocalist reminiscent of PJ Harvey. Lady Lynch is simple and direct-to-the-point indie rock without bells and whistles. Although the editing of the track does leave much to be desired. The MP3 has a 2-second dropout somewhere in the 3:36 region and a residue from an earlier edit at the end of the file.

Track 2 “Hey It’s Me Again” has more singing than screaming, more guitar strumming and more of a riff, even cute silent breaks. “Gory Ride” is the standout track for me, going from a slow depressing shuffle complete with monotonous Joy Division-like vocals all the way to a bouncy pop-py track, yet still talking about the most gruesome topics around. Bizarre and yet you can’t forward to the next track.

This is the second EP from this 4-piece band from Austria and is a showcase of simple guitar riffs combined with haunting vocals and lyrics. Sometimes the songs fill you with creamy goodness, and sometimes the songs just end abruptly leaving you hanging, wanting more.

DOWNLOAD LINK:

All files on one zip file. (20 MB)

Release page on Collective Family website.

OTHER LINKS:

Lady Lynch on MySpace.

Lady Lynch official website.

4AD Records’ Promo Dozen MP3s

British independent record label 4AD has an online promo that allows you to download 12 full tracks from their catalog in return for signing up for their mailing list. The 12 MP3s feature such 4AD artists as Stereolab,Anni Rossi, The Breeders, and The Mountain Goats. Not a bad exchange if you ask me. It’s a tasty sampling of the record label’s diverse offerings. Go get it while you can!

TRACK TALK
The tracks are varied in mood and genre, running from TV On The Radios’ funky Prince-soundalike “Golden Age,” to Johann Johannsson’s dainty neoclassical woodwind instrumental “Melodia (i),” to It Hugs Back’s jangling guitarpop vocals on “Workday,” to Bon Iver’s acoustic and bluesy “Skinny Love.” My favorite track here is Stereolab’s “Neon Beanbag” simply because of the happy eclectic keyboards and 1960s atmosphere. You can’t go wrong with this collection.

COPYRIGHT
Note that the 4AD songs are copyright their respective artists. No open source or creative commons materials here. Meaning you aren’t free to share the MP3s. You’re free to share the link though.

LINKS
LINK TO 4AD PROMO WEBPAGE. Or simply follow the link in this flash widget embedded below. Cheers!