PepperAlley

Published twice a year, Esopus Magazine, collects artwork, ideas and music -- including a CD -- which reflects a theme. Twelve different artists were asked to pick a news item they thought was positive and turn it into a song. Here's a preview of the next issue with today's top tune. The artist is Man Man with "A song for Liza Minelli."

Weinland, the Portland-based quintet which started as a bedroom recording project in 2001, makes its record label debut with La Lamentor, a hauntingly beautiful collection of songs. Today's top tune is the song "God Here I Come."

2006 was a big year for The Weepies.They had their label debut followed by critical acclaim, but after a lot of touring they were wiped out...

The Submarines are a now married duo, living in Los Angeles. Their first recording-- Declare A New State, was a collection of songs they penned separately, chronicling the sorrows of their break-up. They later recorded the tracks upon their reunion. For their second release, Honeysuckle Weeks, they look at the world that surrounds them--- their garden and the ebb and flow of love.

Sandrine---s career on stage started the minute she was able to stand. Her music-loving minister father took the family on the road to perform hymns and religious songs. As a young rebellious teenager, Sandrine started to listen to secular music and opened up a whole new world for herself. With her U.S. release, Dark Fades Into The Light, we join her on her journey from her homeland of Australia to the Catskills of New York.

The Republic Tigers were created by Kenn Jankowski after the breakup of The Golden Republic. All five members of this Kansas City outfit take turns playing different instruments and each bring demos to the table for all to flesh out.

Matt Costa grew up in Huntington Beach skateboarding but after breaking his leg, he focused his attention on playing guitar and creating folky songs. He was given the advise to stop practicing so hard and just let his feelings flow through. Good thing he listened, for his second release, Unfamiliar Faces, we are happy to bring you, "Never Looking Back" as today's top tune.

Thief - Hold On, Hold On

Jackie Greene - I Don---t Live In A Dream

James Combs - Barely Contained

Radar Bros - When Cold Air Rises

Duffy - Mercy

Adele - Hometown Glory

Kyle Andrews - Get Mad

Carmen Rizzo - Sirens (feat. Kate Havnevik)

Paper Airplanes - Four Trucks Sitting in the Snow

Jim White - Crash Into The Sun

Jim Bianco - Belong

Little Dragon - Twice

Aluminum Group - Headphones