RollnSmokeRecords Presents: Best New Songs Released in Past 60 Days

1) “Shark in the Water” – V.V. Brown [7-13-09 in UK, to be released in the U.S]. The modelesque English singer-songwriter releases upbeat, pop lead single off debut set by on Island Records label.

2) “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.

3) “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.

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

5) “Mama Do” – Pixie Lott [6-8-09 in UK, to be released in the U.S]. Keep an eye out for this emerging young siren out of the UK – forthcoming album called TURN IT UP -- in the vein of Amy Winehouse and Duffy, with a rich, bold, ballad-worthy voice. Of note: The Linus Love Mix of the song is particularly cool in a club-electronica way.

6) “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.

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) “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.

10) Owen Pallett – “Lewis Takes off his Shirt” [1-12-10]. A spunky, orchestral-electronica alternative sound that mixes various sounds and vocals.

11) “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.

12) “Letters from the Sky” – Civil Twilight [7-21-09]. Taken from RollnSmoke’s World archives, this is a dramatic alt-rock track from sophomore album by band originally from Cape Town, South Africa, who moved to LA in 2005 then to Nashville.

13) “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.

14) “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.

15) “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.

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

1) “Money” – Matt Morris [1-12-2010]. With textured horns, vocals and acoustic guitar this clean, soulful track on Justin Timberlake’s label (and co-starred with him on the Mickey Mouse Show) by still-emerging artist out of Austin.

2) “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.

3) “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.

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) “Answer to Yourself” – The Soft Pack [2-2-2010]. Old-school sounding Garage rock from San Diego group who originally called themselves The Muslims but switched gears for this self-titled debut album

6) “Aint Leavin’ without You” – Jaheim [2-5-2010]. With an upbeat, 80’s Jeffrey Osborne-like sound, Jaheim lays out power R&B soul and boudoir jams.

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

8) “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.

9) “Paradise Circus” – Massive Attack [2-9-2010]. Typically mellow and ambient track from the pioneers of trip-hop.

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) “Mystery Zone” – Spoon [1-19-10}. While slightly monotonous in pitch, this track plays like a pop-hit-in-the-making from these indie rockers out of Austin, Texas.

12) “I’m Beamin’” – Lupe Fiasco [2-2-2010]. “See me now – just look around -- I’m beamin’” is the upbeat, up-from-the-bootstraps reverb from this single from Chicago-based Muslim MC.

13) “Angel Echoes” – Four Tet [1-26-1010]. Experimental, down-tempo track undertaken as side-project by Brit Kieren Hebden.

14) “Animal” – Neon Trees (single) [1-26-10]. An energetic single release off Island/Def Jam label rocks alternative groove with catchy, pop background and strong vocals.