Corinne Bailey Rae, Elizabeth and the Catapult, & Orianthi

Today I'm givin' my love to the ladies and focusing on a few female artists/groups that I love. These are much harder to come by.

Old: Corinne Bailey Rae--"Trouble Sleeping"
This little lady has been a love of mine for quite some time now. If you are familiar with it her at all, you're probably familiar with her song "Put Your Records On" because it got a lot of airtime when her first album came out. For me, the single selected from an album for radio play is usually the song I like the least--and that is the case here. She has so much more to offer than that. There is so much soul in her singing, and her English accent adds a nice little touch. haha Rae released her 2nd album, The Sea, one week ago today. I am in the process of checking it out--so I will really focus on her 1st album here. Her first album, which is self-titled, is one that I love to just put on and listen to in its entirety. Especially while driving. It is very soothing. Her sound does have a touch of jazz to it, and many have likened her to the great Billie Holiday.

Other songs to Check Out: "Like A Star" and "I'd Like To"

New: Elizabeth and the Catapult--"Race You Back Home"
Thanks to a reader recommendation a few months ago I was introduced to the musical styling of Elizabeth and the Catapult. :) They're a pop/rock trio out of Brooklyn with a really sunny, upbeat sound. The "pop" label might instantly turn some of you off, but labels are silly. :) When I think of pop I think of happy, bubblegum bands that are instantly radio-ready. Elizabeth and the Catapult ARE fairly upbeat and I would venture to say their music IS rather radio-ready, but there is still something about them that I really like. If you're in the mood for something entirely uncomplicated...you've found your match with this group. And sometimes that's exactly what you're looking for. A lot of their music is the kind you put on and just can't help but move to. :)

Other Songs to Check Out: "Momma's Boy"

New: Orianthi--"According to You"
This Aussie chic has been on my radar for a while, although she is moving rather quickly into the spotlight due to her collaboration with Michael Jackson as the guitarist for his This Is It comeback tour. She's made a few appearances on the talk show circuit lately, which will definitely help her career. Her single "According to You" did quite well on the charts in the UK and is also doing well here in the US. In my opinion, it will be interesting to see what her next move is musically. I'll admit, and I think most guys would agree, there is something hot about a girl that plays the guitar. Vocally, I'd compare her to an edgier Kelly Clarkson. But the focus is really on this girl's skills on the guitar. One of her noted influences is Carlos Santana, which doesn't come as a real shocker considering her sound. I would love to see her stray a little further from the "pop" sound, especially in her vocals, and move into something a little more harsh and bluesy. I'd say you should definitely give her a shot.

Other songs to Check Out: "Lights of Manos" (instrumental)

Feel free to give me your feedback on my picks. And Send me your recommendations! I'm always interested in hearing something new! :)

Peace,Love,& RockNRoll,
--A