Eric Hiton featuring Natalia Clavier - "Alma Boa"

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Photo by Ali Zare

If you were of a certain age, there was nothing cooler than the sounds of trip hop and 1960's bossa nova in the mid to late 90's. Trip hop pioneer Eric Hilton (Thievery Corporation) is combining those sounds in his latest album, and the latest single is sonic perfection. "Alma Boa" features vocals from Natalia Clavier, and it has all of the chill vibes of trip hop with the groove of bossa nova. It somehow sounds like it could have been released in either the 60's or 90's, depending on which genre grabs you the most. (Plus, that 90's groovy/bossa nova resurgence will always remind me of my college radio days.) "Alma Boa" is an effortlessly cool track, and we can't wait to hear more from Hilton.

Eric Hilton says of his latest single:

“‘Alma Boa’ grew out of my love for Brazilian music and bossa nova, particularly the recordings from the 1960s that have influenced me for years. I wanted to capture some of that warmth and sophistication, but do it my own way. Vocally, Natalia Clavier brought her own unique flare to the song. Her voice fits so naturally into the joyful-yet-cool atmosphere and gives the song a personality of its own. ‘Alma Boa’ is the perfect lead-off track on ‘The Easy Underground’ album, taking the sounds of classic easy listening somewhere a little unexpected.”

You can listen to "Alma Boa" below. The Easy Underground is due out November 20 on Montserrat House Music, and is available for pre-order here. For more on Eric Hilton, check out the artist's website.

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Mama's Broke - "How it Ends"

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Mama's Broke, the post-folk Canadian duo of Lisa Maria and Amy Lou Keeler, have just released a break up song that might be their most accessible yet. While the previous singles from their upcoming album have a certain darkness or a sense of foreboding, "How it Ends" sounds relatively upbeat. Considering this is a song about how you never think you'll find someone as good as your ex after a break up, that's quite a feat. This is a traditional folk song with some slightly modern folk harmonies. As much heartbreak as their is in "How it Ends," there is also the warmth of remembering a recent relationship. You can listen to "How it Ends" below. Narrow Line is due out May 13 on Free Dirt Records, and can be pre-ordered here . For more on Mama's Broke, check out the artist's website .
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