RollnSmokeRecords Presents: Best New Songs Released in Past 60 Days

1) “Nothin’ on You” -- B.o.B. featuring Bruno Mars [12-15-10]. Official debut single by new-comer -- Atlanta-based Bobby Ray – is hip-hop sandwiched between easy, melodic hooks.

2) “The High Road” – Broken Bells [1-15-10]. The lead single from forthcoming album by Danger Mouse and The Shins’ James Mercer is dreamy, alt-space pop.

3) “United States of Pop 2009” – DJ Earworm [un-released]. Hugely popular R&B hits from the past couple of years, all gliding along as a cleverly-produced musical collage.

4) “Back to the Crib” – Juelz Santana featuring Chris Brown [12-21-09]. Hip-hop track by New York emcee with hook & harmonies by bad-boy Chris Brown.

5) “Drown in the Now” – The Crystal Method featuring Matisyahu (1-19-2010). Off latest EP, a curious mix of reggae and eerie electronica re-mixes that’s emerging as a big hit on the dance floor charts.

6) “This is War” – 30 Seconds to Mars [12-8-09]. Alt-indie emo-rock charged track with undercurrent of service to war and fighting to the death.

7) “Follow Me Down” – 30H!3 featuring Neon Hitch [MySpace]. The alt-pop duo from Boulder releases its latest hit to be included on forthcoming ALICE IN WONDERLAND soundtrack and whose sound mixes electronica with booming rock guitar & vocals.

8) “Rap Up 2009” – Skillz [1-2010]. Spare, smart and clever hip-hip that you want to hear out to the end by veteran emcee who lays out an annual track telling the downtown entertainment stories of the year.

9) “Party in the USA” Remix – Miley Cyrus re-mixed with Notorious B.I.G. (un-released). An unlikely cocktail of girly-q pop and hard-core, old school rap.

10) “White Sky” – Vampire Weekend [1-11-10]. This easy-going track about kicking it in Manhattan, off the follow-up to their 2008 debut, sounds very much like a nod to Paul Simon’s Graceland, mixed with Vampire’s own preppy, indie-rock.

11) “Soldier of Love” – Sade [1-12-10]. The melancholy soul singer, smoking-hot in the 80’s, with angular percussion and discordant back-up vocals.

12) “A Lifeless Ordinary (Need a Little Help)” -- Motion City Soundtrack [1-15-10]. Peppy, alternative/emo-rock from major label debut by Minneapolis and Virginia who rock big guitar and pop vibrato hooks.

13) “Stylo” – Gorillaz [1-26-2010]. The lead track from their forthcoming album scheduled to drop in March features a distinctly electronica vibe with equally distinctive vocals by the self-conceived “fist virtual hip-hop” band.

14) “July Flame” – Laura Veirs [1-12-2010]. A Colorado native who now calls Portland, Oregon, home sounds a lot like a modern-day Suzanne Vega with her spare musical arrangements and lovely voice.

… The Following Tracks are Among the Best Tracks Released in the Past 60 Days -- currently unavailable on Playlist.com – but worth checking out …

1) “I Don’t Care” – Raheem DeVaughn [un-released]. With a smooth 80’s sound this new groovin’ R&B track will get you movin’, and go ahead and let the haters keep hatin’. Not our problem.

2) “Healing Hands” – Citizen Cope [1-19-10]. It’s been a while for Citizen Cope – but here it is – a new, mellow alt-track by Clarence Greenwood – the man & the band – out of Memphis.

3) “Redemption Song” – Rihanna [1-19-2010]. Featuring her singular and soulful voice, this island siren covers Bob Marley with pride and for Haiti relief.

4) “I Feel Good” – Mary J. Blige [12-22-09]. It’s easy to get a load of this breezy, upbeat maxi-groove by R&B soulstress.

5) “Widgets” (or “On Time”) Disco Biscuits [10-29-09]. Off EP released this fall, this track has unlikely atmospheric, electronica sound by jam-roots-groove band.

6) “We Belong to the Music” – Timbaland featuring Miley Cyrus [12-8-09]. It’s shameless pop – it’s Miley Cyrus! – teaming up with Timbaland – but it’s upbeat music you can dance to!

7) “The Life” – Nipsey Hussle featuring Snoop Dogg [11-23-09]. A smooth, melodious hook tempers sandwiched-in-between West Coast raps with a cameo by Uncle Snoop.

8) “You're All I Need To Get By” -- Melba Moore & Phil Perry [officially un-released]. With an old-school R&B groove, this duet pulls off their uniquely own version of classic track.

9) “Lovesick” – Lindstrom & Christabelle (12-11-09]. Down-tempo, funky track by Norwegian pair comprised of disco producer and songstress.

10) “Hey Hey” – Dennis Ferrer [12-18-09]. This big number among the Hot Dance Club set features a techno backbeat and soulful female vocals.

11) “Coastal Break” – Tycho [12-8-09]. Instrumental electronica track that ebbs and flows with upbeat synths by indie group out of San Francisco.

12) “Little Lovin” – Lissie [11-10-09]. Off debut EP, this foot-tappin’ ballad is original, modern folk by Lissie Maurus.