"Can We Buy A New Car (So I Can Have a Balloon)?" - Eric Herman

Artist: Eric Herman

Song: "Can We Buy a New Car (So I Can Have a Balloon)?"

Album: Party Animal

Description: Washington-based Eric Herman says the country sound of this new tune from his forthcoming album is more the exception than the rule for the album, but I like it -- very Wilco circa-Summerteeth.  The song lyrics?  Well, based on the title alone I'm pretty sure you can guess that it's not one of his tender ballads.

Source: Reverbnation

These Are My Friends - Alastair Moock

Artist: Alastair Moock

Album: These Are My Friends

Description: Released in mid-2011, Moock's album of "fresh folk for fresh folk," as I called it in my album review, still holds up.  Moock can be a modern Guthrie of sorts, with better production to boot.

Source: Bandcamp

"Fruit Jar" - Justin Roberts

Artist: Justin Roberts

Song: "Fruit Jar"

Album: Pop Fly

Description: It is safe to say that "Fruit Jar" is one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite artists.  So I don't care if I've posted about the song before.  When Roberts streams it, I'm gonna share it.  Just click on the link below.

Source: Soundcloud

The Cat Doorman Songbook - Cat Doorman

Artist: Cat Doorman

Album: The Cat Doorman Songbook

Description: Cat Doorman is the alter ego of Portland, Oregon musician and artist Julianna Bright, and this, her debut kids music album full of DIY spunk takes this year's slot for "album most unlike any other kids album you'll hear all year."   As I said in my album review, "It's possible that if Cat Doorman Songbook didn't exist, Etsy would have had to create it."

Source: Bandcamp

Fantastico! - Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band

Artist: Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band

Album: ¡Fantastico!

Description: Los Angeles-based Diaz reworks some of his biggest (English-language) pop confections into (Spanish-language) pop confections.  At 22 minutes, it's as much a long EP as a short album, but worth checking out if you're not already a big fan of Diaz' work.

Source: Bandcamp

Live From Brooklyn - Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could

Artist: Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could

Album: Live From Brooklyn

Description: Recorded live in 2011 shortly after the release of his fine Love Me For Who I Am album, this newly-released EP captures the roots-rocking' band sounding in fine form.  (Review)

Source: Bandcamp

Good Morning My Love (Sampler) - Vered

Artist: Vered

Album: Good Morning My Love (Sampler)

Description: Four songs from the New York singer's first album for families -- really, for new parents and their babies.  Simple but not simplistic melodies and lyrics; Vered's biggest hope would be that you'd sing along with your baby nearby.

Source: Bandcamp