Sam Jacobs is a singer songwriter from New York with some major connections in the music industry. But it's clear that Jacobs has succeeded largely on his own with his solid musicianship and introspective lyrics.

Many of the songs from his new release Pain is a Reliable Signal have been affected by the terrible pain his wife experiences as a result of a latent birth defect on her spine. The couple have been on a difficult journey looking for a solution to her incurable condition.

Therefore it is only appropriate that we give a well-deserved thumbs up to the Jacobs for their fortitude in the face of difficulty, and making some great music at the same time.

"Dirty White Coats" - The Flying Change from Pain is a Reliable Signal
The Flying Change on MySpace

Labels: Sam Jacobs, The Flying Change

The following is a batch of new songs from current and upcoming albums from indie rockers Coltrane Motion, Ottawa folk inspiration The Acorn and Brooklyn lo-fi pop slickers The City and Horses. Enjoy.

"The Year Without A Summer" - Coltrane Motion from The Year Without A Summer
"Blue Maya" - Coltrane Motion from The Year Without A Summer
Coltrane Motion's Official Website

Ottawa's The Acorn are an indie folk band that have a sound similar to Fleet Foxes. Their new release, Heron Act, features a collection of songs from live recordings and demos. Heron Act is a must-have for fans of The Acorn and a good place to get to know the band for newbies to their sound.

"Crooked Legs" - The Acorn from Heron Act
The Acorn on MySpace

While it's nothing new in recent years to say there's another interesting and talented band based in Brooklyn, The City and Horses is one of the bands to watch in 2009.

"I Love The Girls" - The City and Horses from I Don't Want to Dream
The City and Horses on MySpace

Labels: Coltrane Motion, MP3s, The Acorn, The Flying Change