So Far So Good 2014!

Back in 2009 I realized that waiting until the end of the year to share some of my favorite songs of the year was too challenging and left too many good songs from the early part of the year out of the running.  "So Far, So Good" was born - a mid year update on some of the best new (to me) music that I had heard in the first 6 months of the year.

5 years later, So Far, So Good has become a summer tradition and one I'm happy to continue this year! Here is this year's list (artists listed in alpha order). Enjoy the music and as always, have a great week!

So Far, So Good 2014 Edition

1. Bones - Alex G
2. Back Home - Andy Grammer
3. Never Thought That This Would Happen - Arkells
4. The Power of Love - Ben Rector (aka Newy Lewis and the Hues)
5. Keep Swinging - Blitz Kids
6. Stuck With You - Call It Off
7. Levitation - Circa Zero
8. Boston Square - Deaf Havana
9. A Little More - Eric Hutchinson
10. Our Love Is Everything - The Fairground
11. Earthquake - Fort Hope
12. Before The Sun Goes Down - Greg Sykes & Karlene Markham
13. Breathe Me In - Jared & The Mill
14. Diamonds - Johnnyswim
15. Monsters - Katie Sky
16. Bad Self Portraits - Lake Street Dive
17. Crusaders - LostAlone
18. We Are Done - The Madden Brothers
19. Hurricane Heart - Marc Broussard
20. World On Fire - Moshav (feat. Matisyahu)
21. Gather and Run - Natasha North
22. Can't Say No - Natives
23. My Love Will Never Stray - Noah
24. Be Okay - Oh Honey
25. On Our Way - The Royal Concept
26. Wild - Royal Teeth
27. Never Stop Love - Secret Someones
28. Hit The Road - Shilo Gold
29. Love Alone Is Worth The Fight - Switchfoot
30. Setting Sun - This, The Silent War
31. All The Way - Timeflies
32. Nintendo - Todd Carey
33. Strike Your Light - Vintage Trouble (feat. Kamilah Marshall)
34. Remember (To Forget You) - We Are The In Crowd
35. Lesson Learned - The Wild After
36. Too Young To Feel This Old - You Me At Six

Barnaby Bright (June 22, 2014)

There are some bands that write one epic song that make you become a dedicated fan, and then there are bands where the song almost doesn't matter - they are so talented that every song is special because of the vocals, the music and the lyrics. That's the case with Barnaby Bright - I can't tell you which of their songs is the best (though "Gravity" was the first song of theirs I heard and it remains an all time favorite).  Every song by this married couple is incredible. And to me it is not a coincidence that their last name is "Bliss."

Right now they are trying to finish up their PledgeMusic campaign to be able to release their new album. I am a backer and hope some of you will be too.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Arkells (June 15, 2014)

Arkells quickly became one of my favorite bands after I got my hands on their album "Michigan Left."  I love "Book Club," "Coffee" and the title track and the whole album is great.  I was actually surprised I hadn't already featured them when I went to double check the list I keep.  Now they are poised to release their best album to date, "High Noon" in August and it's going to be totally incredible.  The first songs from that album, "Never Thought That This Would Happen" and "Come to Light" are two of my favorite songs of 2014 so far.  And now the album is available for pre-order and includes an immediate download of "11:11" which is another stellar track.

This would have been enough for me to feature them this week.  Then just a few minutes ago they posted an older video for "Coffee" in honor of Father's Day and it is hysterical and a sweet tribute to their dads.  So check out the video (below), check out the band, pre-order the album and tell your friends!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

LostAlone (June 8, 2014)

LostAlone hasn't just put out a great album with their latest release, "Shapes of Screams" but perhaps they've laid the foundation for an epic rock opera.  There just seems to be something bigger going on here than simply another album of really good music.  "Crusaders" is an incredible opening song - both for this album and for the show that is being created in my head. "Hostages" and "G.U.I.L.T.Y." also showcase this band's love of harmonies and big anthems.  This British band hasn't released the album in the US officially but you can download it from their website and stream it as well. I highly encourage you to give it a listen.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

JOHNNYSWIM (June 1, 2014)

Artists take note - sometimes when you offer one song for free it can lead to so much more! That was definitely the case when Amazon's MP3 store offered JOHNNYSWIM's song "Diamonds" as a free song from their "Artists to Watch."  It immediately caught my attention and before I knew it I had downloaded the entire album (of the same name) and I can't stop listening to it. This male/female duo has found that perfect musical spot where they have a distinct sound and yet don't seem to fall into any particular genre.  They just have beautiful voices and create incredible songs.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira