KNAK 24

KNAK 24

For most people over the age of 25, they stopped (or radically slowed down) buying or checking out new music just a few years after college. And now they’ll listen to the same songs over and over for the rest of their lives. There’s nothing particularly wrong with that, but it’s a shame, because there’s fantastic new music out there worth experiencing, like the songs in this list!

Here is my latest playlist, and I hope you find something new to check out. I’ve embedded available videos after the jump (at the bottom of the post) so you can check it out inline. The iTunes iMix is also available there.

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1. Creeper; Islands; Arm’s Way
With all of the indie bands from Montreal, I feel fortunate they sing in English. Islands made a splash with their debut album Return to the Sea back in 2006 (see KNAK 10). Here’s a standout track from their sophomore release.

2. Kids; MGMT; Time To Pretend
Wow. Thanks to Bill N for turning me on to this Brooklyn group. I’ve had this song stuck in my head for a while, and I don’t mind. I love the dual raw vocals over the catchy electronic hook. These guys are amazing.

3. I Woke Up Today; Port O’Brien; All We Could Do Was Sing
When this bay area group isn’t touring or recording, they make a living on Alaskan fishing boats or local bakeries. The raw/primal singing featured in this song definitely caught my attention and held it. They also have an impromptu “unplugged” version caught on video in a New York bar.

4. Inside the Cinema; Culture Reject; Culture Reject
Another Canadian group, this one hailing from Toronto, and they self-classify their music as indie/folk/soul. It is amazing that they can have so many different (and sometimes unrecognizable) instruments and yet sound so spare.

5. The Rip; Portishead; Third
It’s been more than a decade since we’ve heard from Bristol, England-based Portishead, and they’ve definitely chosen to challenge their listeners with their 3rd album. They give a haunting performance on The Rip best experienced with eyes closed.

6. Pink Squares; I Was a Cub Scout; I Want You to Know That There is Always Hope
This very young Nottingham, England-based duo released their first full-length album, and just as it is being rolled out in the US, they announced their disbanding as a group. So we’ll enjoy this one electronic/emo/pop track.

7. Tomorrow; Ladytron; Velocifero
Liverpool-based Ladytron continues to deliver the synth-pop they are known for, but with a richer more mature sound on their latest album.

8. Bixby Canyon Bridge; Death Cab for Cutie; Narrow Stairs
Here’s another track from Northwest indie favorite Death Cab’s latest album. Ben Gibbard’s vocals once again are the clear standout on this song.

9. In the Park; The Walkup; Down On the Pacific
NYC-based The Walkup creates upbeat indie rock/pop music, with definite brit-rock influences.

10. Like Knives; The Fashion; The Fashion
Here’s another track from this Danish group’s self-titled album. Post-punk? Power-pop? New Wave? probably a little of all of the above.

11. Out of Control (State of Emotion); Kenna; Make Sure They See My Face
Kenna might be more widely known because he was mentioned prominently in Malcom Gladwell’s book Blink. He clearly is versatile, with his album very wide ranging in styles… this particular track leans towards modern brit rock.

12. Tessellate; Tokyo Police Club; Elephant Shell
Another Toronto band that gained a following with A Lesson In Crime released in 2006 (see KNAK 13), they’re back with their sophomore LP. For your reference, tessellate means “to fit together as a mosaic”.

13. Sunrise; Yeasayer; All Hours Cymbals
This Brooklyn-based group created an eclectic world music-inspired debut album, and here’s the lead track, which also may be the most accessible.

14. Soldier’s Grin; Wolf Parade; At Mount Zoomer
Wolf Parade is back with their 2nd album. I was a big fan of Apologies to the Queen Mary, so I was definitely looking forward to this release. And while the band claims there are no “singles” on this album, I’m going to pull out the lead off track, which features the same vocal warble and tight guitars you’ve come to expect.

15. About To Walk; Throw Me The Statue; Moonbeams
If you haven’t heard of this Seattle band before, you should definitely check them out. I love their melodic indie pop hooks. Here’s a video of them giving an impromptu concert on a Washington State ferry.

iTunes iMix playlist, Lala Playlist and available music videos after the jump…

KNAK 24 playlist on lala

1. Creeper; Islands; Arm’s Way (music only)