Monthly Crush 4 — Citizens on Patrol: Amy MacDonald

I decided to wrap up my quartet of crushes for June with Amy MacDonald, one of my favorite British Scottish imports from last year who’s finally getting the chance to test American waters in ‘08.

MacDonald’s debut album, This Is The Life easily won a place on my year-end best albums list thanks to a well-balanced mix of strong songwriting, catchy melodies, and a full folk-pop sound courtesy her excellent backing band. Back in April, I had the chance to attend her first American gig at the Great Scott in Allston, and her act translated really well on stage: she’s personable and witty behind the mic, her thick accent is a treat, and her band recreated the lush sound of her album beautifully. She played only two other shows before heading back across the pond, so here’s hoping that a successful album launch will bring her back — she’s definitely worth catching at a local club.

This Is The Life will finally hit stores on August 19 (mark your calendars!), so until then enjoy this taste: “Poison Prince” was her first single in the UK, and her cover of The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside” was the b-side to her single for “L.A.” and is a live favorite. Hope you dig!

Download: Amy MacDonald, “Poison Prince” (mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)

Download: Amy MacDonald, “Mr. Brightside (Live From King Tuts)” (mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)

Like what you hear? Grab the single for “Mr. Rock And Roll” from the iTunes Store. More on This Is The Life when it’s available on August 19.