10 Best Free MP3 Downloads of April
We gave away some cool music in April. And we pretty much got you covered, no matter what kind of music you like. Pensive singer-songwriter stuff? Yep. No-frills pop-punk? Uh-huh. A 12-minute synth-pop dance-floor epic? You bet. A jangling '60s-inspired folk-rock tune by the guy who plays Creed on 'The Office'? Believe it or not, yes. They're all part of our 10 Best Free MP3 Downloads of April. So start filling your playlists.
Creed Bratton, 'Faded Spats'
Before he joined the U.S. version of 'The Office' as the workplace's resident oddball, Creed Bratton was a musician, playing with '60s hitmakers the Grass Roots. He has a new solo album coming next month featuring the jangly, folksy 'Faded Spats.'
The Bynars, 'All I Wanna Do Is Have Some Fun Tonight'
These Boston indie poppers hit the clubs for a 12-minute synth-pop stomp that makes room for outer-space beeps, tinkling keys and a mid-song breakdown that pulses with booming bass, robotic voices and rhythm-driving handclaps.
The Clockkeeper, 'Come Back Home'
Singer-songwriter Bryce Job penned 'Come Back Home' after his girlfriend moved away to go to school. The gently rocking song is the foundation of his new solo project the Clockkeeper, which takes advantage of his guitar, percussion and ukulele skills.
The Mohawk Lodge, '1000 Violins'
Canadian indie rockers the Mohawk Lodge take a somber approach to their plaintive ballad '1000 Violins,' a look back on a particularly grueling tour that had frontman Ryder Havdale pining for home. It's a road anthem about how much the road can suck.
The Money Go Round, 'Endless Sun'
These Australian indie rockers tap into late-'60s psychedelia on 'Endless Sun,' a soaring garage rocker that coasts along a rolling drum beat. Like most late-'60s psychedelia, we're not sure what the Money Go Round are singing about. It's all about the vibe.
Joshua Radin, 'Beautiful Day'
Cleveland singer-songwriter Joshua Radin got his big break when his songs appeared on the TV show 'Scrubs.' His soft, folksy songs sound like the perfect soundtracks to all the emotional highlights of your life. He celebrates the small things here.
Slowriter, 'Animated'
Bryan Taylor used to play with the Atlanta post-hardcore band Chariot. These days he's doing the one-man-band bedroom project thing as Slowriter. The loopy electro-pop of 'Animated' reaches back to New Order for a little inspiration, carrying it through to present day.
State Champs, 'Critical'
Albany's State Champs don't do anything all that different from the best pop-punk you've been hearing for the past decade. But 'Critical' sounds great blasting out of your speakers. They had some production help from a New Found Glory member.
Swimm, 'Souvenir'
Harmonica, acoustic guitar and a vaguely hazy vocal guide Swimm's 'Souvenir,' which crosses eras and genres for a timeless (or is that time-traveling?) song that switches gears midway. The duo keeps you guessing where they'll turn next.
The Veils, 'Dancing With the Tornado'
The Veils split the difference between the Pixies and the White Stripes, spitting punk-style songs with genuine Americana touches. The galloping 'Dancing With the Tornado' comes from the band's just-released new album, their first in four years.