Days Like Today - by Coincidence Maybe

Mmmmmm....
Coincidence Maybe is based out of Nashville, TN.  The vocalist/lyricist/guitarist & drummer/bg vocalist duo (who have hired other musicians from time to time) have thus far independently released a handful of collections, starting with their 2002 "The Fall of October".  Most recently, they've released a CD/DVD combo called "The Evidence Vol. 1" in the past year.  This song, however, is from their 2010 EP "The Essence Project".
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coincidence-Maybe/82568354940?sk=app_155326481208883 (it's currently the last one on the list)

Also: you can download "The Essence Project" for FREE here, on Noisetrade:
http://noisetrade.com/CoincidenceMaybe

Paint the Stars - by Castle Lights

This has appeared at the top of my 'Recently Played' a few times the past couple days now... (not that it necessarily means much aside from the fact that I absolutely LOVE the music).
Castle Lights is a band out of Houston, TX.  It started as a solo project in 2007 after Jeremiah Wood left Leeland.  Originally named Light Parade, they went through some changes & eventually renamed themselves in time to record & independently release their EP "Paint the Stars" on November 12th, 2010.  They've showcased at SXSW & are currently still playing various dates & are also in the studio with some new music.  This song is from the EP of the same title ("Paint the Stars").
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btQEITTEmzc
& here's an acoustic version performed with SerialBox Presents:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyGDeZY6c24
& here's the Camp America remix of "Paint the Stars:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCd1E5y6-SA

& finally: you can download this song, "Saint Era", & their two respective remixes for FREE from here:
http://noisetrade.com/castlelights

In My Head - by Until June

Guess what happened today?  I got this song stuck in my head.  Aaaoohhwwwww!!!

By the way, it sounds like Until June may be back at it... potentially.  After taking somewhat of a hiatus during which the members focussed on their own projects including Moderne Man (who's album you can download for FREE from their website) & My Dead Air, they recently posted a Facebook event for a new show at the beginning of March.  I'd say you should keep an eye out after that.

This song is from their "Sound of Defeat EP", released with Authentik Artists (Alan Parsons; IAMMEDIC; etc.) in 2009.  It was also featured the 6th season of Grey's Anatomy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbWYQQfOccE

& just for kicks (Valentine's Day pt.2)

& just for kicks, here's a few other good songs to be spreading around for St. Valentine's Day (I know, it's a little late in the day, but, as they seem to say: 'better late than never'... right?)(& I did actually mean to post this a bit earlier, but got distracted... my apologies...)

"Perfectly Absolutely" - by Poema
"Love Song" - performed by Jamie-Grace & Mac Powell of Third Day
"Sweet Fascination" - by Photoside Cafe
& just to top it off, a [free] compilation of 25 Love Songs from Noisetrade.com

‎"Perfectly Absolutely":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7UkPiu5NIA

"Love Song":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irTRNvaskVc

"Sweet Fascination":
http://photosidecafe.bandcamp.com/track/sweet-fascination

the '25 Love Songs' compilation:
https://www.facebook.com/noisetrade?sk=app_160291820682178
(features the likes of Paper Route, Brooke Waggoner, Derek Webb & Sandra McCracken, Jenny & Tyler, & others...)

Happy Valentine's Day (& goodnight)!

& just for kicks... (Valentine's Day pt.2)

& just for kicks, here's a few other good songs to be spreading around for St. Valentine's Day (I know, it's a little late in the day, but, as they seem to say: 'better late than never'... right?)
"Perfectly Absolutely" - by Poema
"Love Song" - performed by Jamie-Grace & Mac Powell of Third Day
"Sweet Fascination" - by Photoside Cafe
& just to top it off, a [free] compilation of 25 Love Songs from Noisetrade.com
Happy Valentine's Day


‎"Perfectly Absolutely":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7UkPiu5NIA

"Love Song":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irTRNvaskVc

"Sweet Fascination":
http://photosidecafe.bandcamp.com/track/sweet-fascination

the '25 Love Songs' compilation:
https://www.facebook.com/noisetrade?sk=app_160291820682178
(features the likes of Paper Route, Brooke Waggoner, Derek Webb & Sandra McCracken, Jenny & Tyler, & others...)

In Your Eyes - by ...to tell

Brand new music video released just today - & in true To Tell form, it's fun & awesome.
...to tell is from London, On.  The four-piece "piano-driven pop/rock fire ball"* band has, over the past couple years, become somewhat of a well-seasoned band having toured with notable acts such as the Newsboys, Thousand Foot Krutch, & even Manafest.  Their first release came in 2008 - "The Sun Is Up and So Am I" EP was released independently, & followed by their LP "So Much More" in mid-2010.  Most recently, they were working on their "Away From Everything EP", produced by Joel Bruyere (yes, of Thousand Foot Krutch) & officially released January 27th, 2012.  This song is from that EP.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBhYUVE0b6w

* - https://www.facebook.com/totell

(P.S. If you wish, their's a couple of FREE songs on their PureVolume page - namely, "Down & Out", ft. Hello Kelly; & a Christmas song)
http://www.purevolume.com/totell

Start at the Beginning - by Among Savages

Picked this up (well, downloaded; as I'm not 100% certain if you can actually 'pick it up' somewhere) the other week, & I've been loving it since.
Among Savages is based out of Nashville, TN.  The sole member behind the project is mid-20 year old Peter Barbee, who independently released his debut album "Wanderings of an Illustrative Mind" on January 17th, 2012.  This song is from that album.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry199hiMt4c

& you can download the "Start at the Beginning" EP from FREE from NoiseTrade (includes this song & 3 others from the album):
http://noisetrade.com/amongsavages

Life is Just a Dream - by Ruth

Hey; so - don't give up on me just yet, 'cause I haven't given up on this blog & songs yet. I've just had a number of random things coming work & a bunch of work to be done...
But nonetheless; I do look forward to the new album from this band.
Ruth is from Battle Ground, WA.  The band formed in early-mid 2000's after lead singer/guitarist Dustin Ruth (for whom the band is named after) gave up the life of partying & drugs that came after forming a band before this one.
When deciding on a name for the band Ruth, Dustin & fellow guitarist Nick Wiinikka were discussing the potential of simply naming the band after his name - Ruth.  Upon further discussion, it came to mean more than just his name - a representation, of sorts, resulting in it also being an acronym: 'Return Us To Him' ("Him" of course, referring to God).  Ruth's label debut album (this after 2 independent EP's) "Secondhand Dreams" was released in 2007 on Tooth & Nail Records, where they remained for their next release, "Anorak" in 2008, & their "The Covers EP" in 2009. Since then, they've gone independent, & have since had their upcoming album "Payola" picked up by the MTV label.
This song is from "Payola".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTe2D3Gg86M

Also, you can download a single for FREE from Dustin Ruth's solo project from NoiseTrade:
http://noisetrade.com/dustinruth

Some different music news things...

Well, I thought I'd post some news as I haven't done that for a while & I missed posting a song tonight...
That said:

Tooth & Nail Records announced just today their latest addition to their family, Abandoned Pools.  I haven't heard much, but I think someone may be onto something by describing the sound as a slight hybrid of Sainthood Reps vs. Swimming With Dolphins (both current T&N acts), with reminders of The Postal Service vs. Starflyer 59, & some Joy Electric (& yes, I did take these off of http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2012/01/30/tooth-nail-signs-abandoned-pools-ex-the-eels/ - but I do recognize most of the music to some extent, so I can back up the claims  ;)

Also: as always, there's some cool FREE (or by tip if you wish) music on NoiseTrade, & just today, Owl City/Adam Young put up a sampler for you if you wish...

& also as always, there's some good &/or anticipated/delivering releases that have come out lately including Blessed By A Broken Heart's "Feel the Power"[T&N; 2012], David Crowder*Band's "Give Us Rest (A Requiem Mass in C Major [The Happiest of All Keys])"[SixSteps; 2012], & Tidewater's "The Beautiful Life EP"[ROXR; 2012].

Enjoy & take care.

P.S. If you want a bit of a read, check out one of my friend's blogs - her latest concerning something called marriage & what precedes it.

Overture (&) Through the Fire - by Quick and the Dead

(not to be confused with UK band [that has since broken up])
So I've been a little lame in getting these posts out.  I've been a bit busy lately, & will continue to be, but I'm going to keep posting these (just not all with the details & the short bios I used to have time for).
That said, I found out about these guys sometime last year, & am enjoying what was.
Quick and the Dead was based out of Pleasonton, CA.  Their inception came in 2003, & included much touring & writing.  & I can't find all the specifics I would like, but I do know they released some demos in 2006 with the title "Left in the Silence", followed by their sophomore "Consider Your Options" in 2006, & two more full-length albums in their final years.  Since their time together that sadly ended in 2008, various members have gone on to be in numerous projects, including Advantage; The Threats; Jaymes Reunion; & more, including the still active Deadlines and Diamonds; & Troubled Coast.  This song is from their 3rd, but apparently unreleased album, "The Perfect Plan in Imperfect Hands", released also in 2006.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMuYN_Wjomk (<-- I can only find "Through the Fire", without the intro; but if you follow the links below, you can hear it..... I would've also posted "With Baited Breath", but I can't find that anywhere other than through IVM)

Also, you can download their entire discography (& then some) from Indie Vision Music (with whom they signed in 2007) for FREE.  Check it out:
http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2010/07/18/quick-and-the-dead-complete-collection/
But if you only wanted "The Perfect Plan...", then you can get that album for FREE on its own here:
http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2007/12/01/quick-and-the-dead-the-perfect-plan-in-imperfect-hands-free-album-download/

The Catacombs - by Northern Abbey

Mmmmm...
Northern Abbey is based out of Seattle, WA.. I think...  I can't find much offhand, but the leading man is Nick Lambert, who, "born as a baby, ... lives his life getting older each day"*.  He also appears to be friends with Jessy Ribordy & Falling Up, & the crew from The River Empires & The Gloomcatcher.  This song is part of a 3 song self-titled EP released January 13th, 2012.
http://northernabbey.bandcamp.com/ (<--it's the first track)
Also, it would seem that it was put on Noisetrade, too (which means FREE download - check it)
http://noisetrade.com/northernabbey

* - http://northernabbey.bandcamp.com/

Everything - by Watashi Wa

I'm only just kinda finally starting to dig into them a bit more, & I'm liking what I'm hearing... Hope you do too.

Watashi Wa was based out of San Luis Obispo, CA.  The band formed while the members were still in their teens, with lead singer Seth Roberts having started writing songs by age 13.  They started in the late 1990's & were signed to Tooth & Nail Records by their 3rd LP "The Love of Life" - produced by Garth Richardson (son of Jack Richardson) & released in 2003 - the prior 2 were on Bettie Rocket Records in 2000 & 2001 ("Lost a Few Battles... Won the War" & "What's In the Way", respectively).  Their next project would be their final project as Watashi Wa: "Eager Seas" - released on T&N on January 24th, 2006.

Since then, however, the band has gone their separate ways, but (at least some?) are still working in music - notably, Roberts is currently in a band by the name of Lakes.  As for Watashi Wa, there was a post made by them on their Facebook & Twitter stating that there was to be one reunion show & a new EP, but the show has since been cancelled, & sadly, no word has followed concerning the EP.  This song is from "The Love of Life", released on June 24th, 2003.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEwr3VOEH1s

You can download 2 of their songs for FREE from their PureVolume page, too:

http://www.purevolume.com/watashiwa

Gentle Slope - by sosaveme

I'm going to post some additional stuff tomorrow just to finish the wrap-up of 2011, & also a little of what I'm excited for in the new year...
But for now & with that: I'm back into the regular postings, I guess.  Start off with a song that I've recently re-discovered.
sosaveme is based out of Owosso, MI.  They started in 2005 (I think officially formed in 2006, though?), but their origins trace back to 2000, when a couple of the members started playing together in high school, & by 2004/5, they had everyone starting to come together.  They released two EP's from 2006-08, before releasing a debut EP, "A Ghost at Sea" in 2009; all the while touring & playing "shows for two kids, [playing] shows for hundreds of kids, & [battling] life on the road"*.  They've even performed at such big ticket events like the Big Ticket, Ichthus, & Cornerstone festivals.
Last year, ssm started & successfully completed a KickStarter project to help fund their next LP, "The Garden", which was released on October 4th, 2011.  For the album itself, they got Tyler Orr (As Cities Burn; Hawkboy; The Chariot) to fill the position of producer; & as of December 2011, they've hoped to be on the road as much as possible in 2012.  This song is from "The Garden".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGZuykmrDRI (<-- also: I believe this is their first music video, too)

(& if you wish, you can download this song for FREE as a part of a ginormous compilation from the French music website Beehave.fr...
http://www.beehave.fr/telechargements/another-way-to-fight-vol-4.html <-- & you can download parts of the whole compilation, if you wish)

* - https://www.facebook.com/sosaveme?sk=info

"Your Sparkling Death Cometh" - by Falling Up (top 11 of '11 - 1)

One of my absolute all-time favourite bands released an amazing album after their dis- & re-banding.  How can this not be my #1? (I know, it's perhaps technically a little bias; but these are my favourites & it really is an incredible album).
("Blue Ghost" - now one of my absolute all-time favourite songs)
Falling Up is based out of Portland, OR.  They started as a 6-piece alt-rock band back in 2001, & had their first label release "Crashings" in 2004 on BEC Recordings (a subsidiary of Tooth & Nail Records).  The album, produced by Aaron Sprinkle, was well received & made it up to #42 on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums chart.  In total, they released 5 albums with BEC, including their 3rd, "Exit Lights"[2006] - a remix album; plus their "Discover the Trees Again: The Best of Falling Up"[2008] before their final signed album "Fangs"[2009] - part one of two in a conceptual science fiction/fantasy story (part two has never been made known concerning the rest of the story) written by lead singer/guitarist/keyboardist Jessy Ribordy.
Fast forward to January 2010, after years of touring (with such acts as Ruth, Hawk Nelson, & KJ-52), member switches & music, they announced that the now 3 piece band were taking a 'permanent break'.  However, that was not the end - as in October of the same year (only 9 months later), they announced that new music happening.  They went independent, & with the help of their fans through a KickStarter project, they were able to raise enough funds to help with their new album.

"Your Sparkling Death Cometh" was independently released on June 28th, 2011.  As aforementioned, with the help of fans & support, they pulled the album together, & while there were originally no plans for shows or tours, they have since changed that & in December 2011, they performed their first show since their Fangs! tour.

I don't usually get super excited over most things, but this was most definitely one exception.  As mentioned, they are & have been one of my all-time favourite bands (for some time, too), & so when they announced they were releasing new music & they delivered, I was quite ecstatic.  The production behind the album was well done to create an epic (epic in a somewhat literal sense, not just because "it's awesome" but because of how everything is) tone.  I've found myself connecting with much of the lyrics still, &, all things said & done, this will remain one of my top albums for a very, very long time.
You should listen to the whole thing, but here are a couple of other highlights for you to listen to: "Circadian"; "Oceans"; "Mscron" (<-- again, you can just listen to the whole thing on their BandCamp page).

Also: you can download the Quadra remix of "Blue Ghost" for FREE from NoiseTrade:
http://noisetrade.com/fallingup

"Love & War & The Sea Between" - by Josh Garrels (top 11 of '11 - 2)

Another album I heard about through NoiseTrade.  If I got stuck on an island with only a handful of albums to keep with me, this would be one of them. Always.
("White Owl" - stunningly beautiful; & the video was done incredibly well, too
"The Resistance" - fantastically well done)
Josh Garrels is from Pontiac, MI, but now resides in Portland, OR.  Born 1980, Mr. Garrels has since released a collection of albums - 2 of them (starting in 2002) before he set up his own label - Small Voice Recordings - in 2006 alongside his 3rd album "Over Oceans".  3 more LP's have come since, & all through it all, he has maintained the position of the main producer, engineer, writer, & distributor on all his works (however, he is not completely alone as his wife & some others also helps with producing & graphic design for album covers & the like).
"Love & War & The Sea Between" was released on June 15th, 2011 on his Small Voice Recordings.  Through fan-based funding, he was able to raise enough funds to pay for the album as an advance, & in return, he is giving the entire album away for free - you can read a bit more about his decision here - in an interview NoiseTrade did with Mr. Garrels (& here's another cool write-up about where he has come from & about the album).  The album has been noticed by many, & has received album of the year in multiple lists (& kinda has in mine; it's only #2 because I need to have some sort of order to do something like this; it shares the top spot in this floating twilight zone of amazingness), & is nothing short of amazing.

I honestly don't know what more to say about the album other than every single part of it fits & flows so wonderfully - the lyrics, the melodies, the music, the honesty & authenticity...  You really shouldn't miss out on this album if you can help it...
Some other (of the many) highlights: "Flood Waters"; "Farther Along"; "Ulysses" (<-- you can listen to all the tracks on BandCamp....

& concerning the album being FREE!, it's only for a year - so you have until June 2012 to pick it up for free.  But, as always, donations will always be accepted, & if you want to tip for the album, you can do that too.  You can get the album from a few different places:
Josh Garrels' BandCamp
on NoiseTrade (where you can add a tip)
on CDBaby
on iTunes (if that's your style)

"Love is Patient" - by Brianna Gaither (top 11 of '11 - 4)

Not gonna lie: this album kinda caught me by surprise - I had never heard of it before until it was on NoiseTrade (for a limited time), & was like 'wow'.
("Find You" - speechless)
Briaana Gaither is from Edmond, OK.  She was born in 1989 & began learning piano by the age of 5, but it wasn't until she was 16 when it really hit her what she can do.  In 2009, at age 20, she independently released her debut, an EP by the name of "New Thoughts EP", which she toured in support for.
"Love is Patient" was independently released on January 29th (Feb. 1st on iTunes), 2011.  Ms. Gaither went into the studio to record this album in the summer of 2010 with producer/engineer Chris Freels (Matt Redman, Charlie Hall).  She has garnered a lot of local attention, & has a number of shows upcoming.

When I first heard from NoiseTrade about the album, I looked it up, listened to the opening track (which is "Find You"), & was... I dunno; but I absolutely loved it.  Ms. Gaither has such precision in her voice, & album is lyrically & musically soothing.  It's another one of those indie releases that I will forever 'cherish'/hold on to.
Some other highlights: "Let It Go"; "Harvest Moon" (<-- there you can stream the whole album there -->); "Faithful".

& for kicks: here's some fantastic live videos, including one done inside a 1977 VW Vanagon..
Chevy Bricktown Showcase: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b-h61lVZsg
In the Vanagon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLFb2dV3N5o

& you can download a 2 track sampler (includes "Find You") for FREE from NoiseTrade.com:
http://noisetrade.com/briannagaither

"Prodigal Again" - by Rigoletto (top 11 of '11 - 5)

I was hoping to keep the list to LP's, but if the EP's are that good, y'know...
("Introducton" into "Absconder" - you should be able to just click play & have it play both...)
Rigoletto is from of Chattanooga, TN.  They are a 4-piece band who 'kicked' off their recording career (they had already been playing for roughly a year by this point) by raising $2,500 through a KickStarter campaign & subsequently recorded an EP in May of 2011.  Sadly, that's about all I can find offhand, but they are continuing to tour & play shows, & as of right now, they have a date set to play later this month with sosaveme, & SONS.
"Prodigal Again" was recorded in the early summer of 2011, & released independently August 1st, 2011.  The album was produced & recorded by Stephen Nichols, & is available for free or a tip/donation from their BandCamp page.

As I've mentioned before, I've been getting really big into the indie scene lately, & I'm loving finding all sorts of different bands here & there.  Sadly, I forget exactly how I found out about Rigoletto, but however it was, I do not regret it.  The EP starts off wonderfully with an introduction that nicely opens up the album, flowing into pure indie talent.  I think they have their genre listed nicely on their Facebook page: "not too heavy, not too soft" - they seem to have found a pleasant balance between the two.
Some other highlights: ... well, it is a 5 track EP, so I think you should just go & listen to the whole thing.  :P
http://rigoletto.bandcamp.com/album/prodigal-again
As mentioned, it is FREE, but feel free to chip in & support the band (from the BandCamp page listed above)

"I Have a Dream (It Feels Like Home)" - by The City Harmonic (top 11 of '11 - 6)

There's a reason why I said that there's not necessarily a particular order in my top 11 - I have too hard of a time ranking music... but nonetheless, I will press on...
("I Have a Dream (It Feels Like Home)" - the amazing title track from the album)
The City Harmonic is from Hamilton, On (with one member originally hailing from Texas).  The 4-piece band started in 2009 & were signed to Kingsway Music to release their debut EP, appropriately titled "Introducing The City Harmonic", on November 23rd, 2010.  Within their [so-far] two year existence, they've released a music video that has 1.22 million YouTube hits (linked below), & have already won - in the 2011 GMA Canada Covenant Awards - Recorded Song of the Year (for "Manifesto"); New Artist of the Year; & Modern Worship Song of the Year (also for "Manifesto").  They currently have dates set with the Newsboys for their 'God's Not Dead World Tour' this spring; & singer/pianist Elias Dummer also celebrated the birth of his baby girl yesterday morning.

"I Have a Dream (It Feels Like Home)"* was released on Kingsway Music on October 18th, 2011.  The title obviously inspired from Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 speech.  In a blog post, TCH described the song it as such:  -  "In many ways, 'I Have a Dream...' is inspired by this very speech. But with it we seek to communicate a sense of the Christian dream. & so it is also inspired by the Christian story (and, strangely, the Wizard of Oz - a familiar story of a strange world & the longing to awake & find yourself at home)...".  -  They also drew inspiration from Revelation 21; you can read the post here on their website.

When I first heard the title song, I told myself I was going to get the album as a Christmas present for myself (I know, a little greedy, but needless to say...), & when I did: I absolutely loved it.  They kinda picked up from where they left off in their EP, with epic melodies, intelligent & understandable writing, & beautiful melodies & orchestral arrangements.  I look forward to seeing this band in the years to come.
Some other highlights: "Wake Me Up"; "Holy (Wedding Day)", & of course their radio edit of "Manifesto" from their debut EP.

Also: you can download "I Have a Dream (It Feels Like Home)" for FREE from their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/thecityharmonic?sk=app_261137620592117

* - & of course, the iTunes link, if that's your style: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-have-dream-it-feels-like/id467729984

"His+Hers" - by The Hawk In Paris (top 11 of '11 - 7 pt. 1)

So, I'm gonna cheat today, because I could not choose.  I see it as kinda choosing between a black forest cake, & cherry cheesecake - both so wonderful & delightful... like, why should anybody have to decide between the two?
"The New Hello (Hers)" (it's currently the 5th track in the playlist) - when I heard the album open with this, I was like, 'this is pretty cool'; then by the time the rest of this song started playing, I was like 'absolutely fantastic!' [or something to that extent])
& then this song ["Put Your Arms Around Me"] came on, & I was like '!!   :D'

The Hawk in Paris is based out of Nashville, TN.  They started in 2009 when "the three musical friends reunited after nearly a decade"*.  Members Dan Haseltine - coming from Jars of Clay; Jeremy Bose - another writer & programmer who has worked with the likes of Point of Grace, Michael W. Smith, & even David Archuleta; & Matt Bronleewe - a producer who has worked with the likes of Leeland, Casting Crowns, & Rebecca St. James - came together in this side project as a means to create something outside of what they regularly did, drawing much influence from Depeche Mode, New Order, & other similar artists.  Just last year, they released their debut EP, & now they are working on a full-length album to be released later this year.
"His+Hers"** was officially released [independently] on September 13th, 2011, & you can read more about the project in the interview with Dan Haseltine & NoiseTrade.com: http://blog.noisetrade.com/2011/09/the-hawk-in-paris-an-interview-with-dan-haseltine/

As mentioned, I was listening to it, & being drawn deeper & deeper into the music.  I love every part of it as it writes out a story that nearly everyone can relate to in some way or other.
A couple more highlights: "Science Fiction"; "The New Hello (His)" - easiest way to hear them is probably on their Facebook BandPage
But: good news: there's still their 3 track sampler on NoiseTrade that you can download for FREE - you should do it!  http://www.noisetrade.com/thehawkinparis/ (contains "Put Your Arms Around Me", "Curse the Love Songs", & "Between the World & You")

* - https://www.facebook.com/thehawkinparis?sk=info
** - or through Amazon MP3

(See the post below for pt. 2)

"Malleable" - by Bigfoot Wallace (top 11 of '11 - 10)

This past year, I've really gotten into a lot of indie music, & this was one of my favourites...
("Noontime" <-- track 3 in playlist/album)
Bigfoot Wallace is from Chandler, AZ.  Jon Hubbell is the solo guy behind the project (potentially named after William A.A. 'Bigfoot' Wallace - a Texas ranger from the 1800's known for his parts in multiple military-based conflicts; his nickname comes originally from a large Indian chief who had the name 'Bigfoot'), coming from an Arizona band that started in 2008, called Bearhug.
"Malleable" is his debut album, released independently on May 14th, 2011.  It consists of what I'd (& others) say is 'relaxing & refreshing' & as another reviewer put it, "anthemic yet intimate, sorrowful yet jubilant, subtle yet jarring".  Me? I'd say it's all the above & more.  I'm excited to keep in my 'recently played' list for a long time.

Some other highlights to look up: ... ok, well, I'm gonna cheat & say you should just listen to the whole thing.  They're all in order on his BandCamp page (where you'll also find a free download of his Christmas cover).