I first heard about Sarah Jaffe from a Hype Machine blog whose name escapes me. There was a blurb and a download of her song Clementine. I fell in love with the song and immediately listened to it at least 20 times in a row. The CD “Suburban Nature” that Clementine is on was not going to be out for another month, a very long month.
One day, I got a surprise package in the mail from my friend George who lives in Denton, TX where Sarah Jaffe is based. It was an autographed copy of the CD. He got to see her live and I guess felt sorry for me because I just can’t go down the street and see her play. The CD in a word is amazing. I tried to listen to the CD as much as possible uninterrupted, but sometimes, that’s almost impossible. I listened to it a lot in the car going here and there and sporadically at home, but it wasn’t until a 2 week trip I had to take for work that I finally got to REALLY listen to it with noise canceling headphones securely in place on airplanes flying all over North America. The entire album is phenomenal. From the opening song “Before You Go” to the very last song, it is stellar. It’s really hard for me to believe that this is her first full length album. You must buy this album! For an idea of how great Sarah Jaffe is, check out the video for “Clementine” below.

ACL Stage Left – Sarah Jaffe – Clementine from klru tv on Vimeo.

Lately, people have been asking me what I’ve been listening to the most lately. I thought I would give you a visual of what I can’t stop listening to.

Florence + The Machine I love Florence Welch’s voice. I think her album “Lungs” is brilliant. Here is the video for one of my favorite songs by her, “Dog Days Are Over”

Hunter Valentine I get a lot of pitches from PR people about bands. I look at all of them. Sometimes, they are good and sometimes…not so much. However, I got a pitch about Hunter Valentine and immediately went crazy. I love them. Like a mix of Joan Jett and The Pretenders and a little Brody Dalle (distillers) thrown in.

Sonia LeighShe’s been a fixture in the Atlanta music scene for a while, but she’s about to blow up. Zac Brown signed her to his Southern Ground label and she’s been supporting the Zac Brown Band on tour all over the country and getting lots of praise for her performances and her music.

I Blame Coco Her dad is a legend, but I like her much better!

Ida Maria Words fail me. I love Ida Maria.

Token boy? Maybe. This is a girl/boy duo from France who I am enamored with. The boy does lead vocals which can put him under the token boy category. Enjoy.

Minster Hill’s video for Beg You Back is up for Best Music Video at SXSW this year. Their new CD is filled with some great power pop including this song.

Pomplamoose and a brilliant cover of Single Ladies

I love Ingrid Michaelson. I can’t hide it.

I heard about Gavin from my friend MIchael aka mikeypod from mikeypod.com.

This is a 30 minute long performance and I recommend you watch it, but at the very least, watch the first song.

Missy and I got a chance to go to a small, private performnace by Tori Amos this afternoon. There about 70 people there. She played a few songs and did a Q&A. My pictures came out bad because of the light, but the video is better. Plus, you can hear her talk about her forthcoming Christmas CD.

I heard about Tom Howie from his manager Christopher, also known as clcmusic on Twitter. I took one listen to this and fell in love. He sounds like Jeff Buckley with a little Chris Martin thrown in for fun. I just think he’s simply amazing.

You can check out his EP for free on his website tomhowie.com