What the Folk - Part 1

I wanted to compile a list of my favourite folk / indie / blues bands at the minute. This is a list of what I deem to be the best of what I have listened to over the last 12 months. You wont agree with some or all of it so please let me know who you like in the comments and I'll be sure to check them out.

The Staves.
I've got to start with The Staves. I've seen this band twice in the last year. First off they were supporting Florence and the Machine and when they came on I stopped mid conversation, turned to face the stage and was blown away with probably the tightest 3 way harmonies I've ever heard. These girls are on point! They're sisters which helps. They're also charming and engaging with their audiences when playing a gig. Also, they are all hot. Never a negative.
To start you off....:-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvtT8i8rOJY&list=RDlvtT8i8rOJY

Bears Den.
Oh man - if you like harmonies then this is the band to listen to. Male 3 way harmonies are unusual in the fact that not many bands can pull it off. Bears Den offer melancholic Indie, in depth story telling with their songs. Multi layered lyrics that leave you wanting to listen to more. Fantastically well constructed songs that have a pureness and sound just awesome. Yes, I like them - a lot. I have tickets to see them next year. Get in.
For an introduction:-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1MmYVcDyMs

River Whyless

One that has taken me by surprise this year is River Whyless. Playing catchy folk/rock I was hooked from the first time I heard them. Halli Anderson's distinctive voice pairs up brilliantly with Ryon O'Keif to produce an instantly likeable dance of music into your ears. Definately a hint of the Irish jig going on here with the violin making an appearance on many a track. Check them out.

Live is best:-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcUdEbJ5r8M

The Paper Kites

My go to band for when I want to listen to some soulfull chill folk / country music. Cutting their teeth on the Australian music scene, they honed their sound and teamed up with Producer Phil Ek in seattle. What came from that was one of the best examples of electro (yes, I said electro - dont stop reading....!) folk/indie/chill music I've ever listened to. Get relaxed. Put your headphones on and disappear into a musical nirvarna. Do it now. I'm listening as I'm typig - you should be listening whilst you're reading.

Treat yourself, now:-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWF5_wdqQj0&list=PLPIt3ocdm_d-fjDdDtYOF_NBzkG_GY6zf

The National Parks

Another one that fell into my lap whilst listening to Avalanche City (check THEM out some time!). Uplifting lyrics and a combination of banjo and trumpet led anthems....one to put on to get a party jumping. Oh man, those harmonies are like velvet in your ears....then the songs build up to Mumford and Sons-esq rip roaring jingly jangly awesomeness.

Go on spoil yourself:-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OesUdKwQLyk

Joseph

The only girl group to rival the awesomeness of The Staves. I'm going to see these next year and I cant wait. It definitely helps your harmonies when singing with siblings. They give you The Staves but with a more rustic feel and a bit more attitude. Once you start listening to them you just cant stop. They are a pure Indie / Folk band in my opinion. Check this video out - they can just rock up with a guitar and produce audio gold.

Mesmerising harmonies this way :-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eGVGwuNukU

Houndmouth

When I listen to this band I feel like I've just walked in on them jamming and enjoying playing awesome music together. A bit of classic all out American country / rock. I think it's the distinctive voices that just jam so well together that does it for me. The rock element of the band make for some more rip roaring anthemic sounds. Katie Toupin's distinguishing vocal give the band their identity. Oh yea, she's also hot. Never a negative.

Lighten your mood here:-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwVrquxGSrc

Half Mood Run

The link below is just audio - because you don't need a music video to create the exacting images in your mind that this bands lyrics and intense, almost dark, melodies give you. I dont even know how to classify the genre, it's just ethereal addictiveness. Check out 'Call me in the Afternoon' for a song that rips up the rule book and gives you a quirky and catchy song that you'll want to listen to again and again.

Get ready for something completely different:-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIYOxxz9YFg

You guys require cat tax....? This is 'Smokey'. He's old and awesome and sleeps on my bed. I don't own a cat. He just sleeps on my bed.

I'll do a part 2 if enough people are as enthusiastic about folkie/indie/country music as I am.
Post your faves in the comments for me to check out.