More white guys slayin’ R&B jams? That’s right. You know what else is slayin’ it? Those pants!

Today, Dead Times – from Tempe, AZ – are Calvin Markus & Travis Bunn. In the words of Mostly Junk Food, these guys have swooped in “on a rush of rubbed down vocals and slinky R&B notes of romantic grandeur like a driving nightcall that would make Ryan Gosling swoon.” Can’t beat that description so why try?

Head over to Soundcloud to download this track for free. And it’s also on Spotify.

Is it obvious yet that this summer I’ve mostly been listening to white guys under other aliases with killer R&B vibes? Let’s keep rollin’ with it, shall we?

Enter Portland’s Dan Vidmar, aka Shy Girls. His Timeshare – EP is, well, just really hot. He’s been described among multiple articles as straightforward, seductive and sincere.

The track I share below is one of the catchier songs from the EP, but still sexy, and definitely my most played. And since I’m not a professional music critic, I’ve got to throw in this description for good measure because it was my favorite one I read about the EP (via The Fold) –  “bedroom eyes shine dewily upon these tracks.” YEAH THEY DO.

Stream: “Voyeur’s Gaze”
Voyeur’s Gaze

I can take it off when you’re lookin’ at me…
I can keep goin’ if you like what you see…

*INSERT HEART EYES EMOJI HERE*
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Timeshare – EP
iTunes | Spotify

P.S. I just ordered this on vinyl – only the second one I’ve purchased not at an antique store.

I’ve been playing this track from Ben Khan‘s 1992 EP like crazy. London based and 21, his music has been described as “glitzy R&B” and “neo-soul.” I’m digging it a lot and really looking forward to a full album.

Stream: “Youth”
Youth
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iTunes | Spotify

Photographed by Tom Spray

It shouldn’t be news to you how deep my love for good R&B jams goes. So when I came across Tom Krell, aka, How To Dress Well, I sort of lost it, and I couldn’t believe he’d been hiding from me all this time. His new album “What Is This Heart?” has just about everything I love wrapped in one incredible gift. And bonus points for having dubbing one of the best stage names in the game.

Since my first listen a little over a week ago, it’s been my most played album by far. I can’t quit it. To directly quote Rolling Stone, his “velvet voice is at his best when he’s most vulnerable…His early recordings were grief-stricken and raw; subsequent releases have expanded and refined his sound without ever quite reaching the same heights. Krell’s third LP continues to elevate his R&B-inflected music into sonic clarity, though his emotions remain muddled as ever.” Velvet voice. R&B-inflected music. I can’t stop won’t stop.

Stream: “Repeat Pleasure”
Repeat Pleasure

Go jam What Is This Heart?
iTunes | Spotify

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Subscribe to Go Back Down South, a playlist of all the songs featured here.

Photographed in Atlanta, GA (2012)

Sadly, I think Augustana is known by most as a one hit wonder for “Boston” from their 2005 album, All the Stars and Boulevards. They’ve put out 3 albums since then, and their self-titled release in 2011 is without a doubt one of my favorite albums. When I heard they’d be releasing Life Imitating Life in April, I was ecstatic, but also a little nervous. How could they top Augustana? I was worried I’d be incredibly let down after 3 years of falling more and more in love Augustana. 

I have to admit, at first listen of Life Imitating Life, I liked it…but I didn’t love it. It was new, and new Augustana music felt a little weird to me. But the more and more I listened, the more I started to love it, and this summer, it’s been one of my most played albums. The other night after a summer storm with a sunset that no Instagram account could possibly do justice to, I played “Need a Little Sunshine” with the windows down at full volume at least 15 times in a row. It’s quickly becomming my anthem for Summer 2014. That track, and the one below, are my favorites from the album, but the entire thing is truly fantastic.

Stream: “Alive”
Alive
Now do yourself a favor and watch Dan Layus talk a little bit about the song and absolutely kill an acoustic version of it.

iTunes | Spotify

Photographed by Melissa Madison Fuller

…with the best cover of When In Rome’s “The Promise” that there ever was or will ever be.
I’m serious. It’s perfect.

Stream: “The Promise”
The Promise

Make sure to check out the full album, Metamodern Sounds in Country Music.
iTunes | Spotify

Photographed by Jamie Clayton

Here’s the deal – this is the third time I’ve shared Penny and Sparrow, so if you haven’t listened to them yet then I’m extremely dissapointed. Or you may be a new reader, in which case I forgive you.

Their debut album Tenboom (listen) was my favorite record of 2013. Before finishing my first listen to their sophmore release Struggle Pretty, I knew that they very well may take repeat gold this year. It has such depth, honesty, and raw beauty that I can hardly handle it. Truthfully, I can’t. I’ve yet to make it through “A Literal Heart” without tears making an appearance. Struggle Pretty an amazing step forward from Tenboom. As does all the art they’ve previously created, it’ll knock you down. However, this album surprises you with upbeat moments that’ll pick you back up and dust you off (case and point: “Reeth” followed by “Thunder”).

All I can really say, as I’ve repeadly said, is prepare your hearts. Seriously.

Stream: “Bread and Bleeding”
Bread and Bleeding

Their making rounds through the South in May and I strongly urge you to hear these men live. It’s unforgettable.

For now, GO BUY STRUGGLE PRETTY ON ITUNES!