Generally, with this segment, I try to start with a video that has the music in it.  Unfortunately all of the youtube videos of Joel P West kind of sucked.  So, instead I’ll just start talking.

I’ve posted one of the songs (Written On The Breeze) here, if you want to check it out before you download

Something Makes Us Move is the first album by artist Joel P West. (The “P” is important, I found out when I tried to Wikipedia “Joel West”, wrong guy)  It’s a GREAT folksy record, I can’t stop listening to it.

It’s available for free at his website: joelpwest.com

Also on his website, is a link to his new album, which I’m going to talk about later, as well as his illustrations (used at the top of this post)  and photography.

Or, just click the album art below to go straight to the download link.

The record is also available on iTunes if you want to buy it.  After hearing it I think you might.

Also, I want to give credit to Nicholas Scimeca for talking about Joel on his blog, because that’s how I found out about him.  Check out nicholasscimeca.com

I first heard “Cold War Kids” about 2yrs ago with “Hang Me Up to Dry” (which if you haven’t heard check it out below). I think it’s fair to say that they are one of the most unique bands out right now. 

As a teaser for their new album, “Loyalty to Loyalty” due out in late September, they have released “Something Is Not Right With Me” for free on their website.  There is also plenty more free music there if this piques you interest.

I recently found out about a new band called Empires from Pete Wentz’s blog. They are offering their first album (Howl) for free at weareempires.com, and it is actually really good in that it is surprisingly unique.  I guess it falls somewhere in the Pop-Punk spectrum, whatever the hell that means anymore.  

Considering it is a free download, why not check it out for yourselves.