dnak
Running a little late this month, so to make up for it, I’ve put together a longer list than usual. There are a bunch of new bands and new tracks to check out.
You can download the iTunes playlist (songs marked with an “i”), or the Yahoo Music Playlist (songs marked with a “y”). Let me know what you think, and keep sending suggestions!
-Dave
M. Ward To Go Home(y,i)
This cover by M.Ward (original by Daniel Johnston) features Neko Case in backing vocals. It’s a great track to start off this months’ list.
The Whitest Boy Alive Burning(y,i)
Erlend øye from Norway’s King of Convenience fronts this electronic-influenced band. This simple track has a great hook and fills my retro fix.
Pete Yorn For Us (y,i)
Dave Grohl laid down the drum track for this great single from this Los Angeles singer/songwriter.
La Rocca Some You Give Away(y,i)
Intricate guitar work and strong vocals from this Irish band relocated to Los Angeles.
Jim Noir I’m Me You I’m Your(i)
You may have heard his single Eanie Meany… most of his new album follows in the same vein. Light-hearted cheery pop that harkens back to his quirky childhood.
Mew And the Glass Handed Kites(y,i)
I still don’t understand the # of english-singing bands from Scandinavia. This Danish noise-pop group puts out an almost overly-layered breathy performance, but I think it works.
Silversun Pickups Little Lover’s So Polite (y,i)
Have you checked out this LA band’s new album yet? The track Lazy Eye is in heavy rotation on my playlist, and this one isn’t far behind.
Midlake Head Home(i)
I had this Texas folk-rock group on my list last month, and the album is growing on me. This song in particular has a rich depth to it while still keeping that folk feel.
Starsailor In the Crossfire(y,i)
“I don’t see myself when I look in the mirror; I see who I should be.” Apparently released a year ago in the UK, but only just now available in the US.
Pajo Foolish King(y,i)
A darkly warm sound from David Pajo’s new solo project. Starts out with a great mesmerizing guitar.
Darkel At the End of the Sky(y,i)
Darkel, from the french pop band Air, keeps the same atmospheric sound on his new solo effort. This is the lead single from his upcoming album.
Junior Boys So This Is Goodbye(y,i)
Ok, let’s mix it up with electronica from this Canadian group out of Ontario. A great up-tempo track.
My Brightest Diamond Golden Star(i)
This one is worth checking out for the beautiful, haunting female vocal over solid instrumentation. She has been touring with Sufjan Stevens.
Matt Costa Cold December(y,i)
Singer/songwriter out of southern California signed to Jack Johnson’s label. Strong vocals and acoustic guitar on this track.
The Long Winters Fire Island, A.K. (y,i)
Seattle indie pop band starting to get radio play with “Pushover” (see KNAK 13). Here’s another strong track to check out.
Klaxons Atlantis to Interzone (i)
Here’s my crazy track of the month. Best way for me to describe this track is high intensity rave rock! Check it out if you dare.
Crystal Skulls Baby Boy(y,i)
Another catchy track from this Seattle group. Note the yahoo music track is a demo, and the itunes track is from their album “Outgoing Behavior”.
Chad Vangaalen Red Hot Drops (y,i)
Hailing from Calgary. this Sub Pop-signed singer puts out a pretty indie-pop track off of his new album Skelliconnection.
Grizzly Bear Knife(y,i)
Closing out with a beautiful meandering song from Grizzly Bear, a band out of Brooklyn that just released its new album Yellow House.
