LAist Essential Listening

Sample these tracks and let us know what's in your iPod playlist this week.

	Cary Brothers \| Local Rock Ride [download] Brothers garnered exposure on the Garden State soundtrack. After one listen to his new EP, you'll see he is more than a one hit wonder. Though comparisons to Pete Yorn are appropriate, Brothers' vocals are richer. He plays Hotel Cafe on December 6.
	Amy Jo Johnson \| Local Pop Puddle of Grace (live) [download] Fans of Felicity will recognize this breathy, evocative track from the show. Her new live CD captures the vulnerability that makes her both a good actor and singer. Catch Johnson at Hotel Cafe on December 5.
	Nest \| Local Alternative Rock Ultraviolet [listen] Ethereal, complicated and polished, this LA band is carving out its own niche as smart alternative rock. Think: Evanescence without the cheese factor. Celebrate Nest CD release at Hotel Cafe on December 8.
	The Divorce \| Rock Yes [listen \| buy] These Seattle imports bravely left their punk/new-wave ties behind in favor of well-crafted rock songs. If you like what you hear, then catch the band live at Spaceland on December 9.
	James Blunt \| Pop You're Beautiful [download] If you missed Blunt's performance at The Wiltern last month, do yourself a favor and download his live EP from iTunes. Blunt combines the best of Elton John and Howie Day, crafting heart-wrenching, personal songs.

	Cary Brothers \| Local Rock Ride [download] Brothers garnered exposure on the Garden State soundtrack. After one listen to his new EP, you'll see he is more than a one hit wonder. Though comparisons to Pete Yorn are appropriate, Brothers' vocals are richer. He plays Hotel Cafe on December 6.
	Amy Jo Johnson \| Local Pop Puddle of Grace (live) [download] Fans of Felicity will recognize this breathy, evocative track from the show. Her new live CD captures the vulnerability that makes her both a good actor and singer. Catch Johnson at Hotel Cafe on December 5.
	Nest \| Local Alternative Rock Ultraviolet [listen] Ethereal, complicated and polished, this LA band is carving out its own niche as smart alternative rock. Think: Evanescence without the cheese factor. Celebrate Nest CD release at Hotel Cafe on December 8.
	The Divorce \| Rock Yes [listen \| buy] These Seattle imports bravely left their punk/new-wave ties behind in favor of well-crafted rock songs. If you like what you hear, then catch the band live at Spaceland on December 9.
	James Blunt \| Pop You're Beautiful [download] If you missed Blunt's performance at The Wiltern last month, do yourself a favor and download his live EP from iTunes. Blunt combines the best of Elton John and Howie Day, crafting heart-wrenching, personal songs.

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