In an industry mired in dime-a-dozen bands and MySpace insta-lebrities, today’s bands tend to suffer from the same symptoms of overzealous promotion, ultimately leading to über-entitlement and general gloating. Yet despite the mighty roar of the media machines behind these bands, a large majority can hardly muster a meow when finally thrust into the spotlight.

Expecting The Gadsdens to fare no differently, I moseyed over to their MySpace with a firm expectation of mediocrity.

Well, I was wrong*. Much to my surprise, The Gadsdens provide a much needed breath of fresh air in a landscape dominated by “average,” blending together the breezy sounds of some of the finer purveyors of contemporary pop, including Take That, Imogen Heap, and even a hint of Vanessa Carlton.

Though there are subtle suggestions of blues and folk-inspired influence sprinkled throughout, the majority of The Gadsdens’ collection is largely pop-based. And unlike so many bands that claim to intentionally “pay homage” to the greater pop moments of the ’80′s and ’90′s in an obnoxious, tongue-in-cheek manner, The Gadsdens carry yesterday’s elements into their music in a wonderfully unpretentious manner.

I absolutely adore the lead singer’s vocals, which seemingly glide through the scales quite effortlessly on tracks like the sweetly tender “Heartbreaker.” Other tracks, like the title track from their upcoming EP, “The Sailor Song” strike me as a brighter rendition of The Decemberists and a bit of ’90′s female singer-songwriter, a la Natalie Merchant.

Though I’m not going to speak for the group, I’m willing to bet that their genuine sound stems from a genuine respect for pop–The group’s blog certainly seems to suggest this influence. (Lykke Li, Siobhan Donaghy, The Cardigans, and Grace Jones for starters.)

The group will be releasing the Sailor Song EP on March 23, a collection of 5 tracks produced by Sean McGhee. Though the band have supported Temposhark on tour, been named as one of the best unsigned acts by NME, and played on BBC’s Radio 6, the band is still bubbling under. Let’s change that, shall we?

Easy, breezy, beautiful…It’s no longer just a phrase for make-up, folks.

DL: The Gadsdens – The Sailor Song (Sharebee)

The Sailor Song EP will be available digitally on iTunes on March 23. For more from The Gadsdens, click here.

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*I really should have known better, considering my ever-reliable blogger buddy XO named The Gadsdens’ “Sailor Song” as one of his Top Tracks of ’08.

With all the excitement (brouhaha) over the newest spring releases (including rumor of the Sticky & Sweet Tour Double DVD ready in time for March?) I’ve nearly forgotten to check back on some of the albums that have been in the works…Pardon me for my forgetfulness!

Nina Persson is releasing the follow-up to her 2001 solo album under the title, A Camp. But before she does that, she’s releasing a lead-off single, entitled “Stronger Than Jesus.”

It’s an arena ballad…Cardigans style! A subtle knock in the direction of the Holy Establishment’s Man of Honor, set to the tune of a sea shanty sway…I’m falling more and more with each replay.

I have to say though, the video was a bit of a letdown.

I mean after all, here I was expecting a glorious boxing match between the Holy Son and a massive, glittery heart-shaped mascot. (I’m picturing a very Steven Klein, Hard Candy boxing ring-inspired set here.)

It would be the fiercest of battles, as every jab and cross thrown by the Heart is thrown in vain; blocked by the power of Christ, which would prove to be quite compelling. As the song built up to its grand finale, the heart would deliver a final, crippling one-two punch directly into the crown of Christ…A stunning defeat!

Upon backing away from the carnage, the heart would turn away slowly, face the camera, and remove its atriums (atriui?) to reveal a demure Leona Lewis, who would then launch into a rather dull, torch song rendition of “Bleeding Love,” as fireworks shot out from her ventricles/ass like a glorious, flaming peacock at the X Factor finale.

Too much to ask? Not enough, my friends…Not enough.

Besides, I believe Beyoncé did something like this already.

DL: A Camp – Stronger Than Jesus (Mediafire)

I made a little Muusical faux-pas tonight, mentioning the album but forgetting to post my review of Martha Wainwright‘s spectacular second full length album, I Know You’re Married, But I’ve Got Feelings Too. And yes, the title’s perfection is on par with the album’s contents. Now yes, this is Rufus Wainwright’s sister. She’s got a musical career of her own, you know. These things can get a little messy sometimes when siblings take on the industry, but thankfully the Wainwrights are settled comfortably into their own musical niches in life.

The opening track to Wainwright’s album, “Bleeding All Over You,” may be a little off-putting at first. With a frolicking country twang, the first few bars of the song weren’t initially captivating, and neither were Martha’s unusual vocal skills. Sort of a cross between Tori Amos and Stevie Nicks, Martha’s got a brightly eccentric, at times cartoon-ish voice that drifts the line between bold and beautiful throughout the CD. Once the song carries into the chorus however, there’s no doubt that the artist has crafted something wonderful.

But before you’ve got a chance to envelop yourselves into the mood of the first track, “You Cheated Me,” bursts in with a wonderfully catchy jaunt into vindication and anger. “You cheated me, and I can’t believe it / I’ve been calling since four o’ clock last night,” she laments throughout the chorus.It’s not Kelly Clarkson angst, but it’s tangibly tart.

“Jesus and Mary” then sweeps in, a pensive, calculating whirlwind of biblical allusions and vocal exorcism. It’s a beautiful little trip while it lasts, short as the ride may be. Oh, and that yelling middle eight is a brief moment of hallucinogenic, religious bliss, short as it may be.

And so the album continues in this fashion–or rather, in no fashion in particular. Each track is wonderfully assorted; sultry, vindictive, and often as theatrical as her brother’s work, the album closes to form a mature, fulfilling work of art.

Much in the same vein of my all-time favorite bands, The Cardigans, Wainwright has her way with the sounds and sways of typical country twang, yet never employs the genre into her music. Instead, the plucks of the guitar form the canvas for something much prettier in the long run–a beautiful composition, at that.

Please check out her MySpace here to listen to upcoming tracks from the new album!

Alas, my latest Swedish delight to stumble upon! Her name is Britta Persson, a refreshing indie-pop treat. Quite airy like Lykke Li and complete with a country twang in the vein of Nina Persson (of The Cardigans…related?) She released her second album, Hollywood Kill Me, back in January in the motherland of pop, and plans to release worldwide at some point.

The album is a great accompanying piece to the sights and sounds of summer’s return. Britta’s music combines side-stepping rhythm of country western music, echoed, repetitive vocals, and crashing drum beats. She’s got a ’90′s female rocker voice, something quite similar to Joan Osborne. The more memorable songs of the bunch tend to incorporate sudden drum flourishes and building, crashing choruses. The final product isn’t exactly mind blowing, but is soothing none the less. It’s a summer’s breeze of sound, really. That, and Swedish. Don’t forget it. Click below for the video!

FINALLY. After foaming at the mouth from the teaser clip on PopJustice, I’ve finally come across the Kleerup remix of the Cardigan’s “Erase/Rewind” has finally been released in full. With a new sheen of sleek disco gloss, the repackaged song’s twinkle of glam fits the song well. A hot track indeed…I highly recommend this one.

DL: The Cardigans – Erase/Rewind (Kleerup Mix)

Source: MuzicMatters Forum

I spoke about Paris about a month ago, but I don’t think you get how crucial their music is. What? No, I realize you’re reading my blog for the first time. That’s NOT an excuse. I’m not yelling at y–Stop. Don’t start crying! Shh..I apologize. It’s okay, I just get passionate about this things. No, we’re not fighting.

This is the non-French, non-Hilton variety of Paris. They’re Swedish power-pop-electro-indie, and they make me think of summer time happiness and places I’ve never been. The sound is similar to the Cardigans, if the Cardigans dropped the country twang and added a few Casio keyboards. Their third album, The Landlord Is Kind Enough To Let Us Have Our Little Sessions (which by its mere title enough should clue you in to their brilliance), came out back in September. That being said, I don’t think I posted their lead single from the album, so I’m posting it now. It’s called “When I Laid My Eyes On You,” and it’s rather symbolic of their work as a whole. Give it a chance.

DL: Paris – When I Laid My Eyes On You

One of my favorite bands of all time, The Cardigans, are releasing their hand-picked Best Of album during the last weeks of January. The cover is to the left! To celebrate, I have uploaded several of my own favorites. You all know them for “Lovefool,” perhaps the most unrepresentative song they have ever recorded. But don’t discredit them…They’re in a league of their own. Somewhat country-twang, a little folk, but yet too pop to be defined in either region, The Cardigans offer rich sounds in a variety of shapes and sizes ranging from heavier rock ballads to tediously swinging sea shanty-like odes. Luckily, PopJustice has uploaded a clip of Kleerup’s (Robyn’s “With Every Heartbeat,” anyone?) remix of “Erase/Rewind,” which gives it a smooth, industro-electro sheen. To hear the new mix, click here.

DL: The Cardigans – You’re The Storm
DL: The Cardigans – I Need Some Fine Wine And You, You Need To Be Nicer
DL: The Cardigans – Erase/Rewind
DL: The Cardigans – Communication

If you like what you hear, please remember to buy the Cardigan’s upcoming Greatest Hits album, as well as the albums featured in the songs above: Long Gone Before Daylight, Gran Turismo, and Super Extra Gravity.

And you, what do you think?