
I’ve been remiss in posting a new list for a little while, so there’s a lot to choose from this time. You’ll see a few favorites, but hopefully you’ll find more than a few unfamiliar bands to check out for the first time. I enjoyed putting this one together. Let me know what you think!
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1. Fujiya & Miyagi: Collarbone
Let’s start off with a smooth electronic groove I’m lovin’ right now. I heard this while browsing paulfrank.com, of all places. I’ll excuse the fact that this band is actually a non-Japanese TRIO (despite the name).
2. Voxtrot: Brother In Conflict
Here’s a driving track from an Austin, TX band, on their debut self-titled album.
3. Feist: 1234
You probably remember “Mushaboom”, an indie hit by this female Canadian singer a couple years back. She has a new self-assured album The Reminder out now.
4. The National: Fake Empire
Lush and murky is how I’d describe the number from this band based in NYC.
5. The Sea and Cake: Up On Crutches
I love this one! Breathless vocals in a catchy melody over bright guitars.
6. The Arcade Fire: Keep the Car Running
Let’s keep the guitar going (or whatever stringed intstruments they’re furiously strumming) in this track from one of my favorite groups.
7. Blonde Redhead: 23
The Japanese singer’s breathy voice is what stands out in this song from this NYC band, which I would describe as Progressive meets Dream pop.
8. Sea Wolf: You’re A Wolf
Producer Phil Elk (Band of Horses, Shins) helped to put together Get to the River Before It Runs Too Low, the debut EP from this new band out of Los Angeles. Here’s the lead number on that EP.
9. Bloc Party: Kreuzberg
UK favorites get a little moody on their latest album, and specifically on this track with very personal lyrics
10. Fields: Song For The Fields
Guitar dominates in this track from this UK group out of Birmingham. It starts out pretty raw and spare and turns lush, both in vocals and instrumentation. Great song.
11. Arctic Monkeys: Flourescent Adolescent
Another confident number from this now very successful Brit rock group.
12. They Might Be Giants: Take Out the Trash
This favorite quirky group has put an early preview release of their new album on iTunes. And this song is successful on its own, without resorting to the obvious quirks. (iTunes only)
13. Benoit Pioulard: Triggering Back
Benoit Pioulard (aka Thomas Melunch), based out of Michigan, puts out his own brand of progressive rock, with atmospheric vocals over heavy guitars.
14. Hot Hot Heat: Give Up?
A brand new upbeat & catchy single from this popular alt-rock group.
15. Great Northern: Telling Lies
A new band from Los Angeles with their debut on Eenie Meenie records. I’m listening to a few tracks from Trading Twilight for Daylight
16. Menomena: Wet and Rusting
This Portland, OR outfit composes most of its music on computers, and it seems to work. This song features a trio of voices over varied instrumentation.
17. The Clientele: The Queen of Seville
We’ll finish with what i think is a really beautiful closer. A perfect combination of piano, pedal steel guitar, and low-key lead vocals.
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As always, you can find the Yahoo! Music Unlimited playlist and the iTunes iMix.
dnak









