It’s hump day, and what’s better than some bits and pieces?

You know. A little from here. A little from there. Bam, you’ve got a post.

Matisyahu – “One Day”

Orthodox Jewish Reggae artist Matisyahu’s meteroric (?) rise to stardom has been nothing short of extraordinary. And in anticipation of Matisyahu’s upcoming album comes the release of the single “One Day”. If I’m a record executive and I’m listening to this song, there’s no friggin’ way I’m passing on this. This has all the elements of a top 40 hit: peaceful message, singable lyrics, and sick grooves.

Jason Collett – “Reunion (Stars Cover)”

You are well aware of my obsession with Jason Collett. This is simply a continuation of that obsession. Enjoy it!

As Canadian indie label Arts and Crafts continues to churn out entertaining and talented acts, I become more and more impressed with the rock sensibilities of our neighbors to the north. In his sophomore release, Jason Collett hones his penchant for unique folk-pop anthems and delivers them coated in catchy guitar riffs and choral crescendos. While his debut Idols of Exile focused a little more on more charging, rock-ier songs, his newest effort Here’s to Being Here takes the urgency out of his music. He seems most comfortable serving up delicious rolling guitars and Dylanesque vocals, allowing the momentum of the songs to carry the various ditties to their peaks. By letting the tracks take on a life of their own, Collett ends up infusing them with more than he ever purposefully could. Indeed, Collett has returned from exile and he’s here to stay. So Here’s to Being Here!

Go ahead and get your copy of Here’s to Being Here.

Listen to “Roll On Oblivion” (4.9/5)

Listen to “Out of Time” (4.8/5)