Keeping summer fresh and diverse, I picked out some songs that have caught my interest recently. Some of the artists have awesome senses of fashion (or good stylists), some come off as genuine and soulful. Basically, here is some music we think you’d like to acquaint yourself with.

Ray LaMontagne — “Hey Me, Hey Momma.” I would call this a lemonade-porch song. Imagine being out on some breezy country property as the sun’s turning the sky orange. All of the sudden a handsome (and buff) farm hand pulls you out of your rocking chair and twirls you around. OK, stereotypical scene that never happens, but wonderful thought.

Warpaint — “Billie Holiday.” Is this modern-day psychedelia? A freak-folk slow jam? The lady vocalists of Warpaint manage to take a ’50s WAY pre-feminism idea from the song “My Guy” and make it mysterious and deep for the new arrangement on the parts of vintage track they cover. The most of verses are original and the song has an arty vibe that if you started your day feeling unfab will move you into a creative, I’m a goddess kind of mode in no time. They also achieve a child-like aura by spelling out the tragic jazz singer Billie Holiday’s name but pair it with an etheral, sweet vocal touch. Lead vocalist is Emily Kokal on the right.

Marina & the Diamonds – “I Am Not A Robot.” Guess what? I am not a robot either. In the electro-pop dance remix by Starsmith’s 24 Carat, you know the title so you practically know all the lyrics.

Justin Bieber — “One Time.” This pint-sized romantic is the first to sign to Usher’s label partnership with Island/ Def Jam. Summer is all about teen nostalgia if you’re out of that age bracket. If you’re still living with your parents in the summer, the excitement of throwing a party at their house will never again be part of your life (unless you get out of college in an economy life this one). The song isn’t out yet, but you can download the video, which features Bieber throwing a party at Usher’s pad, on iTunes for $1.49 or watch it for free on YouTube or his MySpace music page.

Joe Pug– ” “Black Eyed Susan.” Ok, so this is pretty blatantly influenced by the great Bob Dylan. But in the Americana world it’s hard not to echo Dylan and Joe’s got a textured, rich voice and great lyrical approach. You can download a free EP from his Web site http://www.joepugmusic.com if you sign up for his mailing list. Plus, he’s such a natty dresser and he’s named after an adorable dog.

Plus

Equals

Sissy Wish — “Table 44” I have a real soft spot for a Norwegian accent. Actually, I’m a fan of many Scandinavian singers. Pictured here is Siri Walberg (Sissy Wish is her project name) in a complicated jacket. Love her haircut though. Her new album doesn’t come out in America until September, but you can download its songs on iTunes.

Flight of the Conchords — “Hurt Feelings.” If you don’t think this song is funny, please don’t tell me because I will think there is something wrong with your sense of humor. Can’t fit into a men’s wetsuit? Bummed no one compliments your casserole? People say you look like a llama? What brings a rapper to tears is all there.

Dr. Dog ” “Fate.” Such a great throwback song from a modern band. This song came out in 2008, but sounds like it could have come out of the ’60s rock era, but here it is, the title track for The line “What you thought was a hurricane was just a rustling of the wind” really puts things in perspective. Be carefree!

Want more? Let’s us know in the comments section.

-Posh Hippie