dnak
It’s been too long since I’ve put together a KNAK playlist, and I enjoyed digging around to find these tracks. Check it out if you like to try out new music, and let me know what you think.
1. Darling; Sons & Daughters; This Gift
Let’s start off on a punchy note with Sons & Daughters from Scotland (fronted by Adele Bethel’s powerful vocals).
2. A-Punk; Vampire Weekend; Vampire Weekend
This NYC band has been getting a lot of attention lately, and it’s understandable. They have a very distinctive sound that’s a mix of Talking Heads crossed with a chamber orchestra, with a preppy/nerdy look to top it off (which they showed off on Saturday Night Live last weekend).
3. Foundations; Kate Nash; Made of Bricks
I really like this track from Kate Nash. Hailing from Dublin (but carrying an English accent), she definitely reminds me of Lily Allen.
4. No One’s Gonna Love You; Band of Horses; Cease to Begin
Here’s a pretty track from this Seattle (now South Carolina) favorite’s sophomore album. I’m still a fan.
5. A&E; Goldfrapp; A&E (EP)
Goldfrapp has gotten a bad rap for her last two albums (which to me did feel a bit overproduced). This track on her new EP reminds me of some of her earlier work on Felt Mountain (I still listen to “Pilots”)
6. Just Abuse Me; Air Traffic; Fractured Life
This English band released their debut album last summer, but I just recently heard this piano-driven indie rock track.
7. Toll and Trouble; Say Hi (to Your Mom); The Wishes and the Glitch
This is the first time I’ve included a Say Hi to Your Mom track on one of my playlists. And it looks like they’ve officially dropped the (to Your Mom) from their name. Perhaps it’s not a coincidence that their music is maturing as well.
8. Waving Flags; British Sea Power; Do You Like Rock Music?
Gotta give it these guys…. they’re consistent in their 80′s sound. If you like their previous albums like The Decline of British Sea Power, you’ll like this sweeping track.
9. The Air We Breathe; Figurines; When the Deer Wore Blue
This Danish band’s track is intriguing… it starts off with a Beach Boys vibe, but then the lead singer really starts to remind me of Dan Bejar (Destroyer/New Pornographers).
10. Geometry &c.; Chris Walla; Field Manual
Chris Walla is well-known as both an indie-band producer and a member of Death Cab for Cutie, and his solo album reflects a similar asthetic for sure.
11. Comfy in Nautica; Panda Bear; Person Pitch
Speaking of the Beach Boys…. this track is what would happen if you’d put them in an experimental indie-band.
12. One Pure Thought; Hot Chip; Made In the Dark
“And I Was a Boy from School” from The Warning is one of my favorite tracks from 2006, and I had to check out their newest LP. This has the same smooth vocals over a distinctive disco pop sound.
13. Ready for the Floor: Hot Chip; Made In the Dark
Here’s another one that’s more of an upbeat dance track, if you’re into that vibe.
14. River Card; Atlas Sound; Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
Atlas Sound is the solo project for Deerhunter’s vocalist Bradford Cox.
15. Cake Parade; Georgie James; Cake Parade – EP
Catchy title and a catchy keyboard-driven tune from this female-fronted Washington DC band.
16. Sleepdriving; Grand Archives: The Grand Archives
I hadn’t heard of these guys until I saw them up in Seattle as openers for Minus the Bear back in December. Mat Brooke was an original member of Band of Horses before splitting off to start Archives. When I heard them play this beautiful track, I knew I was going to put it on my next playlist.
17. Twice; Little Dragon; Little Dragon
How could I resist closing with a band that features a Japanese singer in a Swedish indie band? Yukimi Nagano’s smooth jazzy voice oozes over a spare piano arrangement. Love it.
I’ve put together an iTunes iMix for quick access:
