Amy Macdonald: This Is Her Life

If you take a look-see on the left, you'll see one of my CD picks of the week is from singer-songwriter Amy Macdonald. The album is called This is The Life. The irony is that I actually haven't heard, but from what I could piece together, she's going win you over.

She's Scottish, so you know she's tough -- no flowery, girly-girl songs about why the Scottish weather sucks. Sure, she might play at your local Starbucks, but she has more kick than that over-priced double shot of espresso that you're drinking.

MacDonald has the voice akin to Sinead O'Connor, Dolores O'Riordan and KT Tunstall. You wouldn't mistake her for an American at all -- although her music owes a big debt to Johnny Cash.

Her influences listed on her myspace page listed many of BritPop acts you and listen to -- Libertines, Travis, Razorlight, Oasis, The Verve. The similarity is more in the attitude than style. Her first single is "Poison Prince", which kind of sneaks up on you then hits you with some strong guitars. Before you know it, the song presents itself as a rocking, rambling tale. Other tracks offered up show more examples of her range of emotions and styles. So don't be thinking she's going go all NPR on us, she wants to rock more than anything.

A little bit on Amy Mac -- started playing guitar at 12, took the stage at 15 and signed her record deal with Mercury at 18, making her 19 now. She's playing Glastonbury and T in the Park this summer. Oh, yeah. She ain't that bad looking. I didn't need to tell you that, but it has to go on table.

Her debut album will be out July 30th in the U.K.

In the meantime, give "Poison Prince" some love...