Sisters Catherine and Allison Pierce make up the New York via Alabama duo, The Pierces.  They’ve spent the past few years writing songs that have been featured on television shows like Gossip Girl, Dexter and Charmed.  Their upcoming album was produced by Coldplay bassist and admirer Guy Berryman, and they have supported Coldplay as an opening act on their South American tour.   I recently caught their live show and saw them charm an audience with their breathtaking harmonies.

By Jason, Custom Channels Music Director

Well, here’s a completely different direction for the former Beatle — jazzy, sentimental standards. Heavy on the strings, Diana Krall plays piano on almost every song. Eric Clapton, with his recognizable guitar style, is on the single “Get Yourself Another Fool.” These songs from the 30′s, 40′s and 50′s (with two Paul-penned songs) are good music if you want to bring down the tempo and crank up the memories. The album is Kisses On The Bottom

by John, Custom Channels CMO – Chief Music Officer

Sarah Jarosz vividly reminds me of another Sara…Watkins of the disbanded acoustic group Nickel Creek. Sarah Jarosz is also akin to Patty Griffin, Norah Jones or Alison Krauss. Very heartfelt, personal and intimate; it’s like she’s right in front of me when she sings. Released in spring 2011, Follow Me Down is the second album from Jarosz and is still relatively undiscovered. Her sound is comfortable and easy to listen to — on the mellow, folksy, rootsy side without sounding too twangy or Nashville pop country.

by John, Custom Channels CMO – Chief Music Officer

Chimes of Freedom The Songs Of Bob Dylan features one of the most diverse artist lineups I’ve seen on a tribute album.  The four disc benefit album for Amnesty International includes everyone from Ke$ha, Maroon 5 and Adele to Johnny Cash, Sting and Kris Kristofferson.  There is something for everyone on this collection.  Cover versions are great for off-beat yet familiar additions to your music playlist.

By Jason, Custom Channels Music Director

I’ve liked one or two Black Keys songs in the past but when I tracked through their new album El Camino I discovered lots of good songs that are now sounding great our Internet radio channels and music-for-business service.  The lead single “Lonely Boy” is an obvious, uptempo rockin’ song.  Also, “Sister”, Gold On The Ceiling”, “Stop Stop”, “Run Right Back”, “Dead And Gone.”  Many people already chose El Camino as one of the best albums of 2011. I think it’ll be one of the best of 2012, too.

by John, Custom Channels CMO – Chief Music Officer

The Shins have confirmed a March 2012 release for their fourth album, Port Of Morrow.  The first taste from Port of Morrow is the single “Simple Song.”  As I read reviews of the album, one word that is mentioned by critics from Rolling Stone and Spin to Pitchfork and Time Magazine is MELODY.  James Mercer is the front man and songwriter for The Shins. He never fails to deliver striking, complex melodies in his compositions.

By Jason, Custom Channels Music Director

I’m really liking the song “Free” by Graffiti6.  A two-man band from London, Graffiti6 is UK producer/musician TommyD and lead singer/songwriter Jamie Scott. They use rotating additional musicians for live shows. I’ve seen the band in concert and they’re quite good musicians – Jamie is an excellent singer.Watch Graffiti6 perform “Free” on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

by John, Custom Channels CMO – Chief Music Officer

Gotye (go-tee-ay) is popular in Australia where he’s won several ARIA Awards (Australian Recording Industry Association Music Awards). He’s already been dubbed “the next big thing for 2012″ by several trendspotters and tastemakers. His song “Somebody That I Used To Know” isn’t obvious from the first listen; it’s a “grows on you” song and reminds me of Peter Gabriel or Andrew Bird.  Wally De Backer is Gotye’s real name.

by John, Custom Channels CMO – Chief Music Officer

In 1996 the Beastie Boys put down their samplers and dusted off their guitars, releasing the all instrumental album “The In Sound From Way Out.” The album was a mix of jazz, funk and instrumental rock.  They would release another instrumental album in 2007 entitled “The Mix-Up.”  Beastie Boys instrumentals are perfect for any occasion and can add a fun, funky vibe to your restaurant or in-store atmosphere.

By Jason, Custom Channels Music Director