The Useless Critic 2.0

Definitely one of the more interesting voices I've heard lately, J.S. Ondara is extremely influenced by Bob Dylan - so much so he moved to Minneapolis to follow in the legendary singer's footprints. If you like folk music, keep your eye on this guy. He's truly talented, and currently opening for Anderson East. (Same song, just live this time. Do yourself a favor and listen to this!)

Exhibit A Lykke Li taking on Jim Croce with "Time in a Bottle" Exhibit B Frank Ocean channeling Audrey Hepburn

I've had a love-love relationship with this band for years. And I don't know why it took me several months to discover the instant earworm pleasure of this genuinely good pop synthpop-sympathetic song, but DAMN. I would take this song to breakfast the next morning. Stephen Foster really *is* quite the pop songwriter. And hey, should you ever get the chance to see them live, take it. They're incredible as a live act.