1.  Atlas Hands – Benjamin Francis Leftwich

My British singer-songwriter obsession continues this week.  Heard this song in the background of a Royal Pains episode and had to have it.  It’s like a grown-up lullabye; I’m in love with BFL’s soft-spun, raspy vocals.

2.  Down Down Down – Charlie Simpson

I’d like to thank PledgeMusic for turning me onto this British singer-songwriter (see, it’s a trend).  I do love alternate percussion and rhythm in a song, so the soft snaps early in this song totally appeal to me – add in some strings, wide-open vocals, and the building symphony and you’ve got an instant fan in me.  Even though you can’t buy his full-length album Young Pilgrim yet here in the States, you can pick up this track and two others on the Down Down Down EP for free on his website.

3.  The Storm & The Eye – Matrimony

I can’t get enough lately of Charlotte’s own Matrimony, a husband and wife duo (and fabulous band) who are making their second appearance on the Sunday Funday playlist.  I saw one half of Matrimony, Jimmy and some of the band plus and incredible fiddle player, do a somewhat impromptu opening set for Andy Zipf this week.  It was a stunning little set performed on the outdoor patio at Common Market, with weather to match, and I have been listening to their music incessantly all week.  This song is probably my favorite off their EP of the same name. The Irish jiggish fiddle at the end wins me over every time.  The band just announced they’ll be going on tour this fall in support of Langhorne Slim.  Get out to see them if you can.

4.  The Rebel Lovers – The Well Reds

Big excitement in Krissie world this week – getting to see The Well Reds live!  My friend Dru first turned me onto this band earlier this year, and their Violet EP has earned a top spot in my “most played” for 2011.  Anytime you combine driving guitars and keys, you’ve got a winner in my book.  Cannot wait to see them live on Thursday! “The Rebel Lovers” is my fave track of the EP.

5.  Good Enough – Honor By August

Honor By August rocketed into my world back in 2006 when I reviewed their album Drowning Out the Television for Alternative Addiction and they’ve been a big part ever since.  I will never get over the thrill I get seeing them play live.  Whether they are stripped down acoustic or completely rocking out, I never leave one of their shows without a huge smile on my face.  Last night at The Evening Muse was no exception… and this song is a HUGE reason why.  The first time I ever saw them play it (at some little bar/wing place in Columbia, SC), I remember telling Evan afterward that the guitar solo was ridiculous.  And it remains ridiculous.  Last night, he played it with A BROKEN HAND.  So, for putting on a big ass rock show last night, the boys get the final spot in this week’s Sunday Funday Playlist.  They’re back in Charlotte at the Double Door on Sunday, October 23 with The Alternate Routes.  Don’t miss it.