RadioPotato’s monthly installment of April’s Top 5 music picks are here…albeit, a few days late as it is May 5th.  

April found me in a music frenzy of firsts.  Ranging from interviewing Greg Laswell, witnessing Gareth Asher’s new CD launch at Eddie’s Attic, Amos Lee live, JazzFest in New Orleans where I got to see legendary duo, Simon & Garfunkel, My Morning Jacket, and my favorite part to stumble on, the Gospel Tent…all the way to Nashville to see David Gray at the Ryman.  Ahhhh, resting is so difficult when there’s so much life to experience.

In no particular order, here are RadioPotato’s Top 5 songs you need to discover right now.  A virtual high-five goes out to all the artists chosen.  I’d love to hear your favorites, too, so please post in the comments section below.

1.  “Old Man Chicago” – Alberta Cross – this is probably one of my favorite new finds. Brooklyn-based band, Alberta Cross sounds like a blend of Ryan Adams, The Black Crowes, and The Avett Brothers with their own blues/rock twist. ”Old Man Chicago” has that earthy sound, vocals dripping with weathered storytelling, and one of my favorite sounds, that big sound that carries at a packed festival full of music-lovers.  Download their music from their MySpace page, follow them on Twitter, and Fan them on the ‘book!

2.  “Trick Pony” – Charlotte Gainsbourg - this song will make you want to speak French…French actress/singer collaborated with Beck on her newest release.  “Trick Pony” has a gritty hard-driving beat and she has a sultry voice – even has a slide guitar reminiscent of Led Zeppelin.  If you’re interested in a career in stripping, this is the perfect song!   Download here music at iTunes and follow her Facebook fan page.

3.  “Troubles Will Be Gone” – Tallest Man on Earth - 27-year old Kristian Matsson goes under the alias of the Tallest Man on Earth and has been gaining steam as of late.  His folky blues sound boasts a dance of finger-picking acoustic guitars that weave into a glorious sound.  The raspy gruff voice is almost an interruption to how beautiful the music is – but it works!  The entire album, The Wild Hunt is outstanding from start to finish.  Tallest Man on Earth has toured with folk heroes, Bon Iver.   Download, Facebook Fan, and Discover.

4. “Wide Eyes” – Local Natives – I debated whether to put this song in my Top 5 list, only because they are blowing UP as of late.  They are on the verge of being too big to promote….BUT the drums in this song are so killer!  With a drum line base and treble turned way up in the guitars, it’s got that pop sensibility that appeals to the masses, but they throw in some folk harmonies, too with definite roots in indie rock. I imagine ”Wide Eyes” as a great tune to have on when you’re cleaning your place.  Play it loud! Play it proud!   Buy ‘em, Fan ‘em, Follow ‘em, Explore ‘em.

5.  “These Ol’ Keys” – Nathan Angelo – I just adore Nathan Angelo’s music.  He sounds like an Italian Stevie Wonder.  This Atlanta-based artist somberly sings this love song to his piano.  It masterfully sounds like tears are dripping from his piano as he climbs the ascent to a soulful belting.  Gospel influences and a strong blues bed takes you to another place.  The video isn’t the greatest quality but the song sounds amazing.    “These Ol’ Keys” can be found on his EP of the same name and it’s SO worth it. Nathan’s on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and his official site.

The Grooveshark playlist is below so you can listen to all of these songs in continuum.  Please leave your April favorites in the comments section below.  Thanks for reading and I’ll ask you to support these great artists by clicking through the links, downloading their music, catching their shows, and passing it on!

Related posts:

1. RadioPotato’s Top 5 Songs for April 2011
2. RadioPotato’s Top 5 Songs of April 2012
3. RadioPotato’s Top 5 Songs of December 2010
4. June’s Top 5 Summer Songs 2010
5. RadioPotato’s Top 5 Songs: November 2010