It's been long enough. I'm finally back in the flow after a considerable amount of time away from New York and its beautiful music scene, and it's time to share what I've been hearing. As always, some of the these you may know, but hopefully not all of them.
MOCEAN WORKER (MySpace)
I've posted about Mocean Worker, but some people can never get enough shine. Whether you call it nu-jazz, funk, soul, electronic, dance, or anything in between, one thing you can always call it is H-O-T. Being Brooklyn-based, MoWo should never be more than a week away for those New Yorkers wanting to catch a glimpse.
HOT Track: "Shake Ya Boogie"
JENNY OWEN YOUNGS (MySpace)
This Monmouth, NJ native put the dirty back in the Dirty Jerz. You wouldn't know by her dockside prep-star getup, but this red-haired fireplug will keep you on your toes. If you don't believe me, check out her single (which is destined for the R-rated version of Grey's Anatomy), titled "F--- Was I."
HOT Track: "F--- Was I"
JESSIE BAYLIN (MySpace)
If you trust my taste in music, you're clearly crazy. But if you're crazy, then take this recommendation. This L.A. singer-songwriter's tune "See How I Run" is burning a hole in my iPod, and it's not stopping anytime soon. There's something about the tempo of this song that is absolutely perfect for walking down the streets of New York on a sunny day, and that's how I prefer to spend my time.
HOT Track: "See How I Run"
BROOKS CHAMBERS (MySpace)
I think bands (and perfectly good ones, I might add) like Interpol and The Killers (yes, dammit...The Killers) have shown us that even the most red-blooded American bands can let a little of that Brit charm drip onto their vocal chords every now and again. Likewise, back in the day, Elton John showed us his affinity for American country music on albums like Honky Chateau. Well, next in the line of those culture-appreciating/culture-confused frontmen is Austin's Brooks Chambers. The Rhett Miller look-a-like is a crooner if you've ever heard one, and he's about ready to be the subject of your next "frontman identity" debate.
HOT Track: "Honey Tree"
