Gomez - “Airstream Driver”

This song, from Gomez’s sixth record A New Tide, shows the expanse of their musical talents, pulling in blues, catchy pop melodies, and quirky indie rock sounds. Despite finding success with their first two releases Bring It On and Liquid Skin, they have bounced around between labels before landing on Dave Matthews’ ATO Records, which is also home to Dawes, the Drive By Truckers, Danny Barnes, and My Morning Jacket. 

The Avett Brothers - “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise”

This video, for the song from the Avett Brothers’ latest record I and Love and You, animates the paintings of Jason Ryan Mitcham. Mitcham reportedly altered a single painting over 2600 times to illustrate the theme of “temporary nature of our buildings and our mentality” that Scott Avett has attached to the song. 

Tift Merritt - “Mixtape”

This tune from the Raleigh, NC native’s fourth record See You On The Moon perfectly highlights the soulful voice that has given Tift Merritt acclaim since her first record Bramble Rose. This latest effort, produced by Tucker Martine (husband to Laura Veirs) simplifies her sound to the basics, highlighting her songwriting and strong pipes to make it a strong contender for her most compelling record yet. 

Good Old War - “Coney Island”

You might have heard “My Old Sinking Ship” on our airwaves, from Good Old War’s latest self-titled effort, but this song, the lead track from their 2008 release Only Way To Be Alone was the song that initially gained them critical acclaim. The band hails from Philadelphia, and their name from the last names of the three members: Good from Keith Goodwin, Old from Tim Arnold, and War from Daniel Schwartz. 

Bob Schneider - “Metal and Steel”

Austinite Bob Schneider has been making music for more than twenty years with bands like the Scabs, the Ugly Americans, and Joe Rockhead, though he has received more acclaim for his solo work of the last decade. Drifting in and out of major label deals, Schneider’s genre-bending sound has made him hard to classify, but his talent is undeniable. This song, from his 2001 release Lonelyland, is one of his more popular tracks, along with “Big Blue Sea” from the same record. 

Amy Winehouse - “You Know I’m No Good”

Amy Winehouse exploded in 2007 with her release Back to Black, produced by British DJ Mark Ronson. Ronson took Winehouse’s soulful vocals and matched them with Sharon Jones’ backing band, the Dap-Kings to create a sound that revived British R&B. This track showcases that sound in all its glory, with its skittering drums and horn bursts. Though she has self-destructed in recent years, this record keeps fans hoping for a follow-up. 

Richard Thompson - “Crawl Back (Under My Stone)”

This song, from the legendary guitarist’s 1999 record Mock Tudor, finds him in classic form, with his witty songwriting and expert playing at the forefront. After he made his mark with British folk band Fairport Convention, he made several albums with his now-ex-wife Linda, including the critically acclaimed Shoot Out The Lights, which some consider to be his best work. His playing also graces songs by his son Teddy Thompson. 

Jenny & Johnny - “Big Wave”

This latest collaboration from Rilo Kiley’s Jenny Lewis and her boyfriend Johnathan Rice mines 60’s pop in both melody and the buzzing, aquatic guitars that recall the Ventures or early Beach Boys. From their upcoming record I’m Having Fun Now, this pairing inspired Elvis Costello to use the duo on his recent record Momofuku. Rice also appeared with Lewis on her solo records Rabbit Fur Coat and Acid Tongue. 

Crowded House - “Saturday Sun”

New Zealander Neil Finn began his illustrious career with Crowded House in 1985 after the dissolution of Split Enz, the band that also featured his brother Tim. Finding success with the band’s self-titled record, they would go on to have a 15 year career, despite several lineup changes. They reunited in 2006 to release Time on Earth, though this track comes from their latest, Intriguer.  

Andrew Bird - “Fitz and the Dizzyspells”

American musician, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird’s 2009 release, Noble Beast, contains many of the elements fans have come to love about the solo artist (think hand clapping, whistling and a Mensa vocabulary). But Bird seems a bit more subdued on this go-around, with a sparer sound than his previous albums. The track “Fitz and the Dizzyspells” is a bright and cheery pop song with layered guitar lines and driving drums.