This past year was a tough one for the majority of us. Thank goodness there was indie music. Looking back over the 19 Monday Mashup columns we compiled during the year, we have selected the 20 Best Singles. Here they are in the order we featured them.
We hope you all remembered to turn your clocks ahead yesterday. We’ve got some great new singles and music videos to start off your work week. We are so humbled to be able to share these amazing artists with you. Grab your coffee and let’s get started.
NEW SINGLES
Blue Élan Records has done it again. The increasingly popular indie music label has brought back another of our favorite bands with the return of Soul Asylum. Their first single from their forthcoming EP is called “Social Butterfly” and it has all the elements that made the band’s past hits like “Runaway Train” such timeless classics.
Our next single is a future alt pop classic from the effervescent mind of Emmrose, who we introduced to you last October. Her voice is unmistakable and her songwriting is top notch. We love her new single “Take me With You,” and think you will too.
Our third single is actually a pair of songs from Finnish band The Holy. We love their take on rock music, with lyrics that have definite substance and a beat that will keep you interested in the entire song. Check out “Twilight of the Idiots” and “No Trial in the Dark.”
Next up is a true folk rock protest song. The subject matter is the lack of gun control and how it is impacting our kids and the world in general. Check out Charlie and the Rays and their latest, “There Goes my Baby.”
Our final single this week is from relative newcomers Perfect Blue. Their latest single has them “Runnin’ From the Hills.” We hope they continue making great music.
NEW MUSIC VIDEOS
We kick off this week’s videos with the latest from the British band Cold in July. “Catalyst for Recovery” is a powerful song with an equally powerful visual. Let us know what you think.
We haven’t featured a country tune in a while and we have the perfect one to share with you today. “Lonely Bones,” the latest from songstress Sonja Midtune, is lovely in every way. This one will get your feet moving while you two-step around the dance floor. Check it out and fall in love with her immense talent.
While we’re in a country mood, check out the latest from Blue Élan Records’ artist Chelsea Williams. We love everything about “Red Flag” and are so thankful that she continues to churn out incredible music.
Last week we shared the amazing single “Flowers” from future superstar Dani Le Rose. If you loved the single, you will love the video even more.
We close out this week’s edition with the perfect segue to Spring Break. Here is the first single/video from American Studies, a remake of the classic tune, “Panama City Blues.” Enjoy your week.
We’ve reached our final Monday Mashup of November, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Please take time this year to be thankful for family and friends, and for our military who fought for our freedom to celebrate. Enjoy these new singles and music videos and we’ll be back soon with our Ten Great Singles and Ten Amazing Videos released in the month of November.
NEW SINGLES
Our first single this week comes from Alexandria Maillot. This one has a great alternative rock vibe with powerful lyrics. Check out “Someone to Keep you Warm.”
Our next single combines the sound of two of our favorites – Whitney Houston and Patti Labelle – to form a sweet and smooth jam called “Out of my ooo.” We simply love the sound of Jessica Wilde and can’t wait to see what comes next.
We introduced you to the sweet and sensual sound of Emmrose last month, and she’s back with an even better song this month. Here’s “Hopeless Romantics” for your consideration. We think this artist definitely has “the goods.”
Single number four has a harder edge and features the dynamic London duo called Revolvers. According to the title of their single, we are living in “Confusing Times,” and we couldn’t agree more.
Our final single, “She” comes from Richmond, Virginia band She. Their sound is almost experimental rock but with a touch of prog, and we like it. We think you will too.
https://soundcloud.com/user-121828030/she
NEW MUSIC VIDEOS
Our first video features the powerful and strong vocals of Rookes on her song, “Salvage.” This is by far one of the best songs we have heard this year. What do you think?
Back in the late 80s, most of us loved a band called the Spin Doctors, composed of Chris Barron and Eric Schenkman. When the band broke up, Barron began pursuing an indie career as a singer-songwriter, while Schenkman continue his mastery of the guitar. Well, Schenkman is back with his latest song, “Agent Orange Blues,” and we are glad he is. It’s a total departure from the Spin Doctors. Let us know what you think.
Video number three comes from Scotland’s gem, Baby Taylah, and is a visually stunning video that will appeal to anyone who loved and misses Game of Thrones. Check out “Reclaim.”
We last featured Matt LeGrand back in September. He returns with Mexican rapper Mestiza and delivers the smooth jam “I’ve Been Watching You.” This one is guaranteed to get you in the mood.
We close out this edition of Monday Mashup with a beautiful cover video from Christafari of the Christian song “Way Maker,” which features the soulful reggae sound of Avion Blackman. We love the reggae groove and the lyrics. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Just when we thought things were started to stabilize, the universe laughed at us. We spent all of last Tuesday moving into our new apartment, but couldn’t get the internet up or finish moving in until late Wednesday. I’m currently working two part-time jobs, while Chelle just got promoted to shift manager. I work Tuesdays from 10-4, Wednesday through Saturday from 10 to 9:30, and Sundays from 9:45 to 6:30, with Monday my only day off. Chelle’s schedule is even crazier and she is working 50-60 hours a week, so we were looking forward to having a relaxing day off today, only to wake up this morning to find that our electricity had been disconnected due to a miscommunication about a deposit. That forced us to head back over to my brother’s house, where I’m currently sitting and working off the lap top to write today’s column. No promises but I do hope to also complete the Andy Grammer review today. In the meantime, here are some new singles and videos on this final Monday in October.
NEW SINGLES
Our first single this week is a hip-hop song about making the best out of the bad times (so appropriate for us right now). “Another Day in the Life” is from Tha Third i, and we highly recommend you listen to the words.
Next is a beautiful song from Emmrose that is ethereal and eerie but somewhat comforting. We love the sound of her vocals and the words cut deep. Give a listen to “Tonight” and let us know what you think.
Our third single is actually a pair and comes from New Zealand transplant and current LA singer-songwriter Eden Iris. The current single is called “Birthday Baby” and comes with its B side, “Lullaby.” Her vocals remind us of early Gwen Stefani. Check them out and feel the Kiwi love.
Single number four is the perfect song for this time of year, although it is actually about abandonment. We think this song belongs on Top 40 radio, and love the sound of Carvi‘s “Ghosted.”
Our final single this week is from the classic rock sound of Koala Queen. We definitely agree it’s about “Time” for this band to break out.
MUSIC VIDEOS
We continue in the rocking vein for the latest video from British punk rockers The Kut. Although the single will not be “officially” released until Halloween, here is the video for “X-ray Eyes.” We truly dig it.
Next up is a modern-day band that borrows heavily from the 80s groove on their latest, “What About Tonight.” We think this band deserves national attention and heavy rotation on American radio, as they are busting out in Europe already. Check out Papyllon.
We think we found our new favorite artist in Rachel Lorin. Not only is she incredibly beautiful, but she has powerful vocals like early Kelly Clarkson, and a music video that is one of the hottest we have seen. This one will make you sweat and is perfect for your next workout routine. Go for the “Gold.”
Video number four has equally powerful vocals from Iris and a visually stimulating video for her song, “Stars.” All of this great music is making today so much better.
We close out this week with the stunning video for “Heaven’s Gate,” the single version of which we shared with you a couple of weeks ago. Just in time for Halloween, “drink the Kool Aid” and give another listen to Emily Breeze and watch as the song literally comes to life.