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1.) Born Ruffians – Sole Brother
This is definitely my favorite track of the week. Despite the fact that I was bogged down by work and life stress, I found it impossible not to relax and smile while listening to this song. It is musical optimism at its best. Formed in 2004, Born Ruffians are a Canadian trio who have already toured extensively with bands such as Franz Ferdinand, Hot Chip and Caribou to name a few. The fact that they managed to record this album in 2 weeks is impressive and it reflects the core talent the band brings to the table. This song comes off their new album “Say It” which comes out on Warp Records on 6/1. You can pre-order it now HERE.
Born Ruffians – Sole Brother

2.) Tenlons Fort – Read It and Weep
Tenlons Fort = Los Angeles musician /filmmaker / human rights activist Jack Gibson. Jack is an incredible songwriter and after every song I found myself wanting to go back and listen to it again immediately. There is something Elliot Smith-like about the way Jack constructs his songs and I strongly encourage you to own this album. It’s one that I already know I will re-visit many times in the future. Also worth mentioning is the fact that 50% of album sales go to benefit the Tenlons Fort Shelters Fund which raises money for homeless in LA, Austin and other areas in need. This song comes off the just released album “Shelters” which you can buy HERE.
Tenlons Fort – Read It and Weep

3.) Late Of The Pier – Best In The Class
This two-sided single was produced by “electronic idol” / founder of the amazing and now-defunct London nightclub Trash: Erol Alkan (note: he will wearing his DJ outfit at Coachella on 4/16). The band hails from Castle Donington, England and brings to the table what they label “time jazz”. Once you get past the 80s-video-game-sounding intro, you are greeted with an incredibly catchy song that is guaranteed to get stuck in your head. The single was just released and you can buy it digitally now HERE. Band member Sam Eastgate (who has also been busy producing tracks for the band Egyptian Hip Hip) has said that we are unlikely to see any more releases out of the band this year, which is too bad because if this song is any evidence, this band has great potential.
Late Of The Pier – Best In The Class

4.) James Pants – Thin Moon (Mayer Hawthorne remix)
This amazing remix comes off the 7-inch debuting at Stones Throw’s all-45s event at SXSW on 3/17. You can get a digital copy now HERE. Both James and Mayer are Stones Throw Records success stories. Label head, DJ/producer Peanut Butter Wolf, signed Mayer after only hearing two songs, already guessing that there were big things to come from the then 29 year old LA-by-way-of-Michigan talent. Musician James Pants, on the other hand, met Wolf when he was a DJ at his high school prom. He later went on to intern for Stones Throw only to be signed to the roster as a musician and labeled by Wolf directly as the “next big thing.” Mayer and James are a magical combo with Mayer adding his crazy, talented and golden “new school soul” touch to the track.
James Pants – Thin Moon (Mayer Hawthorne Remix)

5.) Gorillaz – Plastic Beach
Considering I have featured two songs by the Gorillaz on my site, it’s no secret that I love this band. Their new album, “Plastic Beach”, out next Tuesday (3/9) in the US does not disappoint. This particular track features Mick Jones and Paul Simonon from The Clash and is a sort of post-apocalyptic pop wonder. What could have turned out a messy album full of too many guest star appearances has instead turned out as a fantastic palate of pop, indie and rock sensibilities. You can pre-order the album HERE. You can also watch the amazing video just released for the single “Stylo” HERE.
Gorillaz – Plastic Beach

6.) Reflection Eternal – In This World
Reflection Eternal = Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek. This song comes off their second album “Revolutions Per Minute” which comes out on 4/6. Talib describes the album title as: “The idea of revolution through music. It’s the idea that people in today’s culture take things in YouTube-sized bites and clips and, if it’s not in a clip or a soundbite or something that you can fit in under a minute, people don’t pay attention to it. The idea is: How many revolutions can you get accomplished in under a minute in a quick culture?” Considering that Kweli and Tek have been collaborating since 1997, it’s no surprise that they are able to come up with tracks like this that have a natural fluidity about them. Pretty sure this album is going to be ridiculously good. You can pre-order it now HERE.
Reflections Eternal – In This World

7. Cults – Go Outside
There is a lot of mystery currently surrounding this New York band due to the fact that the only traceable web evidence of them seems to come directly from their Bandcamp page HERE (you can download their 3 song 7-inch for free on the site). The song is cheerful and childlike, successfully creating an eerie quality when paired with the vocal intro taken from a recording of Peoples Temple cult founder Jim Jones stating “death is not a fearful thing, it’s living that’s treacherous.” Hats off to Gorilla vs. Bear who first featured this song on their site HERE.
Cults – Go Outside

8. RJD2 – The Shining Path (Alan Wilkis Remix)
NY based Alan Wilkis is quickly becoming THE remixer of the moment. Known for his remixes of songs by Phoenix, The Temper Trap and Yeasayer, he now brings us a great funky take on RJD2’s “The Shining Path” taken from his just released album “The Colossus”. He states on his website: “Without getting too technical/music-dorky about it, the original song had a 6/8 feel, reminiscent of some classic Motown. As I listened to Phonte’s vocal, though, I saw the potential to hear it as a straight 4/4 rhythm, but with hints of triplets. In non-dork terms, I gave the song a very different feel – elements of G-Funk, California 60’s surf-pop, 8-bit sounds, and more… I hope the result will make you want to strut in the sunshine.” The track features amazing vocals done by Phonte Coleman of Little Brother and The Foreign Exchange fame. You can download this remix now HERE.
RJD2 – The Shining Path (Alan Wilkis Remix)

Oldies but worth a re-listen:

1. Bonnie Raitt – Angel From Montgomery
Bonnie performing John Prine’s song “Angel From Montgomery” live for PBS in 1974.

2. Bobby Womack – Fly Me To The Moon
Because the posting of his cover of Califonia Dreamin’ just wasn’t enough:

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1. prattle on, rick. – Lift Up
prattle on, rick. is the moniker of Nashville singer-songwriter Patrick Rickelton. “Lift Up” is one of those songs I can easily see in a Jason Reitman movie – it’s lovely, cinematic and earthy. There is something incredibly calming in the evenness of Patrick’s voice. Patrick says that his music career began with his experiences listening to Van Morrison’s “Moondance” album. You can hear that influence in the very way Patrick balances his vocals against the music. You can buy his EP “Communion Bread” HERE now.
prattle on, rick. – Lift Up

2. Foster The People – Pumped Up Kicks
Enormous Kudos to the blog Absolutely Horrorshow for posting this track after the writer heard it in the background of Nylon’s coverage of Anna Sui’s Fall/Winter Collection. Hype Machine posted it and it immediately shot up on the the list of popular songs “hearted” by listeners. Rightly so, it’s beyond catchy…even addicting. Not much info available on the band other than the fact that they are unsigned, don’t have an EP out yet, are from Los Angeles and are affiliated with Mark Foster. Let’s just hope they keep turning out songs like this. You can download this song for free after you submit your email on their website HERE.
Foster The People – Pumped Up Kicks

3. Phantogram – As Far As I Can See
Phantogram (one of the best band names ever, in my opinion) comes to us from Saratoga Springs, NY. Vocalist/keyboardist/visual artist Sarah Barthel and guitarist Josh Carter met in junior high and, after taking various separate paths, they reunited to form Phantogram in 2007. Self described as “street beat, psych pop” they represent one of my very favorite musical pairings. Their live shows are supposed to be phenomenal and, if you are in LA, you can catch them on 3/4 when they play at Bordello. You can get tickets to that HERE. Their album Eyelid Movies was out as of 2/9 and you can buy it HERE.
Phantogram – As Far As I Can See

4. Gamble House – Central Park
It’s worth noting that Gamble House’s Ben Becker named his band after the historic Gamble House in Pasadena (where Ben is originally from), a house that perhaps most famously served as the exterior for Doc Brown’s mansion in “Back to the Future.” The opening of this song is stunning and it catches me every time I hear it. Gamble House / Ben just finished up a month-long residency at Spaceland and will next be performing as part of Aquarium Drunkard’s WAVED OUT music festival with other great bands Surfer Blood and Best Coast. Information for that available HERE. He started this album while in NY attending NYU and finished it up in LA – you can hear both influences behind his work. It’s mastered by the great Paul Gold who has worked with artists such as LCD Soundsystem, Grizzly Bear and Dirty Projectors. You can buy the album now HERE.
Gamble House-Central Park

5. Portugal. The Man – The Dead Dog
In reference to their forthcoming album “American Ghetto”, Portugal. The Man’s John Gourley states, “Lyrically, this was the first album where I really went out and referenced the streets and places around where I grew up. “The Dead Dog” was a bar out towards Big Lake off Pittman Road where, no offense Pittman ralliers, some pretty shady folks spent their time. I don’t know what it was about that area that drew me in but it did, for whatever reason. As with all the songs on American Ghetto there is a focus on our teenage lives and the things we did and the paths we chose. Some of the moments are sadder than others but “The Dead Dog” was written more about the setting than with a specific person in mind.” I like that this band infuses the indie scene with their own rock flavor, they aren’t just another sleepy sounding outfit. From everything I have read thus far, we can expect great things from this new album. “American Ghetto” comes out on 3/2 and you can download this song for free from their website HERE.
Portugal. The Man – The Dead Dog

6. The Shimmer – Lovers Void
The Shimmer = Brother and sister duo David & Jade Hanks from the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, England. There is a definite 80s feel to this track and the Joy Division / Gary Numan influences are steep. But that is precisely what I like about it – it’s just the kind of dark pop I liked best from that period. Their upcoming album is being produced by ex-Clor band member Luke Smith who has worked with both Depeche Mode and The Foals. Not to shabby. You can get this single free HERE. Album expected some time this year.
The Shimmer – Lovers Void

7. You Say Party! We Say Die! – Laura Palmer’s Prom
Laura Palmer’s Prom comes off the third & just released album “XXXX” from the Canadian band You Say Party! We Say Die! The title gives away the David Lynch / Angelo Badalamenti reference and it’s definitely reflective of music I can imagine coming from the Twin Peaks series. It’s pop – but there is an undercurrent of darkness just below the surface. They recorded this album after a much needed break. Inter-band fighting while on tour and a near breakdown from singer Becky Ninkovics led them to take some time off to reinvent themselves as a band. They came back with new motivation and, per their MySpace page, “Having reinvented themselves with their spirited style of New-Wave, and a new depth of material.” Becky spent time working on her voice with a vocal coach for a year and her voice has never sounded stronger. You can buy the album now HERE.
You Say Partyl! We Say Die! – Laura Palmer’s Prom

8. Club 8 – Western Hospitality
This song is fun, energetic and pretty much all around amazing. The Swedish duo, made up of Karolina Komstedt & Johan Angergård, have actually been around since 1995, debuting as a live act at CMJ in New York in 1999. They went to Brazil for inspiration and that clearly served them well; they manage to escape pop monotony by infusing their music with a fresh breath of South American energy. I am beyond excited to hear their new record “The People’s Record” out on 5/12.
Club 8 – Western Hospitality

Oldies but worth a re-listen:

1. The Beatles – Don’t Let Me Down
Live. 1969.

2.) Gorillaz – Demon Days
With their new album “Plastic Beach” almost here, I felt it was a good time to revisit how good their last album “Demon Days” was. This song gets me every time.
Gorillaz – Demon Days

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1. Fyfe Dangerfield – She Needs Me
29-year-old London-based Fyfe, also known as the frontman of the band Guillemots, is set to release his solo album, “Fly Yellow Music,” in the US on 3/16. It’s happy album, full of sunshine and catchy wake-up songs. This comes as no surprise considering The Guardian says it was “spawned by his recent state of “unmitigated loved-up bliss.”" Fyfe was set to play a few shows in the US but had to cancel due to visa issues. He is, however, still slated to play SXSW on 3/18. You can order an import of his album now HERE.
Fyfe Dangerfield – She Needs Me

2. El Perro Del Mar – Change of Heart
El Perro Del Mar = Sweden-based Sarah Assbring. While this isn’t technically a NEW song (it comes from her 2009 album Love Is Not Pop) it’s been all over the place lately (it was chosen as Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week on 1/19) and I think it’s good enough to deserve a re-listen. Fellow Swede Robyn made it her first ever remix for another artist and Lykke Li was just taped singing it with Sarah HERE. Loveliness.
El Perro Del Mar – Change of Heart

3. Aloe Blacc – I Need a Dollar
If you don’t know this song yet, you soon will. Just chosen as the theme song to HBO’s series “How To Make It In America,” it is also the single off of his forth coming album “Good Things.” The album release date is TBA but you can get the single HERE now. Aloe is a California native now living in Los Angeles and you can definitely hear the mellow 70s so-cal vibe in the way he sings. Very much looking forward to this album.
Aloe Blacc – I Need a Dollar

4. Foreign Born – Early Warnings (Boys Like Us Rostam Batmanglij Remix)
You may recognize Rostam’s name as he is a member of both Vampire Weekend and Discovery. He made a great song even better by infusing it with his own frolicking electro-pop take. The cascading sonic effects work brilliantly and, while I am not a fan of Vampire Weekend, I am definitely excited about hearing more remix’s from Rostam in the future.
Early Warnings (Boys Like Us Remix) by Rostam Batmanglij

5. Kasper Bjørke – Efficient Machine
33-year-old Kasper is a well known DJ /Producer out of Copenhagen, Denmark. This track is a little pop, a little electronic and a little punk. It comes off the just released album “Standing On Top of Utopia” which is incredibly rich and full of intensely well thought out beats. You can get it now HERE.
I cannot recommend it enough.
Kasper Bjørke – Efficient Machine

6. New Young Pony Club – Lost A Girl
London-based New Young Pony Club rose to fame when their catchy song “Ice Cream” graced the Nissan Cube commercial you can see HERE. They are back with a new album “The Optimist” available in the US on 3/9. This track proves that they have embraced more of their punk influences and left a bit of the pop side behind…it’s a good thing. This song really should be listened all way through as the building chorus is the best part. You can pre-order the album now HERE.
New Young Pony Club -Lost A Girl

7. Said the Whale – The Fish and the Stars
I really adore this song. It pretty much just makes me want to take off for the weekend and go to some woodsy place and turn off technology for a couple of days. It’s a both simple and incredibly soothing. Said the Whale hails from Vancouver and this song comes off their just released EP “Bear Bones.” It was recorded in lead singer Ben’s bedroom and the band says that “the vulnerability of it excites us.” You can get it now HERE.
Said The Whale – The Fish and the Stars

8. Daedelus – Order Of The Golden Dawn
Daedelus = LA-based Alfred Weisberg-Roberts. Daedelus strikes me as one of the hardest working people in the music industry. Known to be an “avid crate digger” who chooses to wear Victorian era influenced clothing, he is not only a musician but also one of the founding DJs of the non-profit organization Dublab. This track comes his album “Righteous Fists of Harmony” (named in reference to the Chinese Boxer Rebellion) set to be released on 3/23. I am not sure if my words can do it’s description justice so I am going to quote directly from the album press release: “Daedelus endeavors to compose a requiem for the end – of beliefs, of lives, and of an era. The elegy for a bygone battle sheds light on our own contemporary conundrum: will our faith in modernity be our downfall? Are we blinded by this age of wonders, doomed to be destroyed by our ingenious inventions?” There is a disney-fairytale-esque album preview video you can watch HERE.
Daedelus – Order Of The Golden Dawn

9. Field Music – Precious Plans
After a 3 year self-imposed hiatus, Field Music returns with a 20 track double album titled “Measure.” It’s an album that requires multiple listens to really get to the core of it’s genius. This track is the perfect example: On first listen it comes across as almost deceptively bland but, by the second or third listen you start to pick up on more and more. Only then do you begin to understand the talent behind the two core members of the band – brothers David and Peter Brewis. You can buy the album now HERE.
Field Music – Precious Plans

10. Schooner – Fortuition
North Carolina’s Schooner has just released a new 6-song EP “Duck Kee Sessions” on CyTunes, a music downloading site where 100% of the proceeds go towards cancer research. I am completely in love with the song “Fortuition.” Rather than posting the song for possible free download, please go and purchase it HERE and support a really great cause.

Oldie but worth a re-listen:

1.) Bobby Womack – California Dreamin’
My friend Kim posted this on Facebook earlier in the week and it reminded me of just how amazing Bobby Womack is. The video features original footage of California in the 1950s. Great stuff.:

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1. The Living Sisters – How Are You Doing
Set to release their debut album “Love to Live” on 3/30, the Los Angeles-based band, made up of the Bird and the Bee’s Inara George, Eleni Mandell and Lavender Diamond’s Becky Stark, creates music that somehow sounds both timeless and effortlessly hip. Their voices get along perfectly on this track, it’s almost impossible to imagine how they ever existed apart.
The Living Sisters – How Are You Doing

2. Sleigh Bells – Ring, Ring
Sleigh Bells = Derek Miller + Alexis Krauss from Brooklyn. According to the New York Times, “they met cute in a restaurant – he was her waiter.” Adorable. So is the song. Their MySpace blog lists them as currently “in the studio” so fingers crossed that we can expect an album from them this year. They are playing SXSW, Coachella and a bunch of other live shows along the way. Catch them if you can.
Sleigh Bells – Ring Ring

3. X.O. – She Posed To (pro. Soulful)
Washington, DC native X.O. (aka Jamaal Walton), is known for both his fantastic mixtapes and weekly open mic sessions. This track is just a small taste of his capabilities and I strongly recommend that you download his album ASAP. Studio 43 is offering it up for free HERE.
X.O. – She Posed To (pro. Soulful)

4. Dark Dark Dark – Bright Bright Bright
Dark Dark Dark hails from Minneapolis and met while traveling across America, forming a band by chance. They recorded their forthcoming EP “Bright Bright Bright”, out on 3/9, in an old church-turned-studio overlooking Lake Superior and the on location natural reverb can be heard throughout this song. The track is gorgeous; full of ghosts and beautifully mysterious. I found this over at Static Television and you can purchase the CD on their website HERE.
Dark Dark Dark – Bright Bright Bright

5. Helen Stellar – Sensation Blvd
Helen Stellar first came to my attention with their song “IO” from the movie “Elizabethtown.” I remember being so struck by that song, I actually specifically bought the soundtrack for it. After a 3 year break, Los Angeles-based Helen Stellar is back with a new album “If The Stars Could Speak They Would Have Your Voice” to be released this spring. I have had the chance to listen to it and can say it’s fantastic. They remind me of some of my favorite bands from the 90s and are just the type of melodic rock that is missing from so many of the hazy indie bands out at the moment. Also exciting is the fact that they have just confirmed a Monday night residency at LA’s very own Spaceland.
Helen Stellar – Sensation Blvd

6. Sade – In Another Time
I completely unabashedly love Sade. This track comes off of the just released album “Soldier of Love” which is Sade’s first studio album since “Lovers Rock” was released in 2000. Expectations for this album have been incredibly high and, while there are a few tracks that miss the mark a bit, it’s definitely one worth owning. This song in particular caught me as an example of Sade’s ability to just pull you in and make you want to get lost in her voice. The album is out now and you can buy it HERE. I can’t post the song in any type of legal fashion, so you can listen on the YouTube link video below:

7. FM Belfast – Par Avion
This month, Iceland’s FM Belfast finally got a proper US release of their album “How to Make Friends” (originally released in Iceland in 2008) and you can tell they were way ahead of the game when it comes to the current electro-pop heavy trend. Per the band, “One very cold winter day there was an article in the newspaper about an Icelandic girl that had moved to the Caribbean and was renting a house on the beach for a small amount of money. At the time it felt almost ridiculous to live on a frozen island and pay high rent for a tiny apartment. We just wanted to move right away. It helps singing this song, then you can go to the Caribbean for 3 minutes and 47 seconds.” They have summed it up perfectly. It’s a nice, summery, fun track that leaves me craving warmer days. You can buy their album now HERE.
FM Belfast -Par Avion

8. Jason Boesel – I Got The Reason #1
Jason is actually best known for his work as a drummer for Rilo Kiley, Bright Eyes and Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band. He emerges as a solo artist with his just released album “Hustler’s Son” and very much echoes a Nashville Skyline-era Bob Dylan. You can buy the album HERE.
Jason Boesel – I Got the Reason #1

Oldie but worth a re-listen:

1. Ray Charles – Eleanor Rigby
Yes, please.

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1.) Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings – I Learned the Hard Way
Right off the bat, the horns on this track let you know that Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings mean business. This is soul music at it’s very best and Sharon’s voice is stronger than ever as she belts out the perfectly crafted lyrics. It’s worth noting that their label’s (Daptone Records) co-owner, Gabriel Roth, known for only recording on analog, recorded this entire album on an Ampex eight-track tape machine. It gives us the warmth that was found in the old records from the 60s and 70s. Their new album “I Learned the Hard Way” comes out on 4/6. Daptone is offering this single for free HERE.
I Learned the Hard Way – Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings

2.) Lo-Fi-Fnk – Marchin’ In
Such a happy song! Lo-Fi-Fnk hails from Stockholm, Sweden and they seem to have that magical quality, much like Lykke Li, to create a pop song that indie/hipster listeners can get behind. There is also a beautiful video for Marchin’ In, shot by Mattias Johansson, HERE. They are currently in the studio but there is no release date for an album as of yet.
Lo-Fi-Fnk – Marchin’ In

3.) MNDR – I Go Away
Amanda Warner, aka MNDR, is a self professed “mega nerd about instruments” and an example of someone as passionate about what is used to create music as she is with the music itself. Hailing from NY-LA-SF it’s clear that she is just starting to show us what she is capable of as a sonic artist. It’s a hopeful anthem for an entire generation unsure of what the future holds. Perfectly crafted electro-pop. Learn more about her HERE.
MNDR – I Go Away

4.) Or, the Whale – Toxic
Part of the Fantasy Covers Project at Coke Machine Glow, the seven piece country-rock band Or, the Whale, from San Francisco, just posted their daydreamy country twist on Britney Spears’ song “Toxic.” It’s slow, mysterious and gives a completely new take on the song. Download from their blog HERE.
Or, the Whale – Toxic

5.) Chapel Club – O Maybe I
I am incredibly impressed with the intelligence of this song. The lyrics themselves are achingly honest and singer Lewis Bowman acts them out perfectly with his voice (the Morrissey comparison comes easily). He comes off sounding strong, over-confident…almost cocky. However, the rolling guitars and incessant drums let us know there is a lot more going on under the surface. I am really looking forward to hearing more from this band. The single “O Maybe I” comes out on 2/22 on East City Records.
O Maybe I – Chapel Club

8.) Mr Beasley – Wrong
Mr Beasley = Bobby Beasley and Sarah Johns from the UK. I am totally sweet on the rumor that Sarah found Bobby after he had stenciled smiley faces all over town. Legend has it, Sarah saw these smiley faces and tracked Bobby down so she could sing with him. Whether or not there is any truth to this, they definitely make fascinatingly good music together. Sarah’s voice will haunt you long after you have listened to this track. Found this gem over at: blahblahblahscience.
Wrong – Mr Beasley

9.) Tunng – Don’t Look Down or Back
Tunng is facing a new path as one of the founding members, Sam Genders, decided to go his own way. On their website, they describe themselves as “always different, always the same,” and candidly discuss both the changes within the band as well as how performing live changed their perspective on their music. It’s this mature approach that gives me a lot of hope for their new album “…And Then They Saw Land” out on 3/1. This new song is full of pleasant surprises but doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle. With so many bands trying to jump on the the folktronica bandwagon, Tunng proves themselves to be ahead of the pack.
Don’t Look Down or Back – Tunng

10.) Avi Buffalo – What’s In It For?
Every time I hear this song, it grows on me a little bit more. Coming to us from Long Beach, CA, there is definitely a sunny Southern California vibe to this Avi Buffalo track. The guitars and keyboards are reminiscent of 70s jam bands, but it’s Avi’s voice that puts a modern spin on it. He reminds me a bit of MGMT’s Andrew VanWyngarden and adds a new spin to the often lazy, dreamlike lo-fi vocals common to this genre of indie-beach-rock.
Whats In It For – Avi Buffalo

11.) Death Valley Sleepers – Into My Mind
Death Valley Sleepers is one man superstar Tobias Winberg from Denmark. He is the composer, vocalist, plays all the instruments and produces his own music. It’s a sunny tip off to psychedelic rock.
Into My Mind – Death Valley Sleepers

12.) Mathias Alriksson – The Return of the Ape
Another thing worth noting is the “27 songs from Barcelona” project created by Swedish band I’m From Barcelona. According to their website: “Inspired by Kiss’ simultaneous release of 4 solo albums in 1978, “27 songs from Barcelona” features one solo song for every member in I’m From Barcelona. Starting last month, on 1/27, they have been releasing one song a day on their site. You can find the songs HERE. This track is from Mathias Alriksson who is one of the vocalists in the band.
The Return of the Ape – Mathias Alriksson

Oldie but worth a re-listen:

1. War – Slippin’ Into Darkness
The dancing in this video is not to be missed. I want to be there. Now.

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I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am about this band. Hailing from Woodbridge, Suffolk, The Cheek will be releasing their first album this year (it’s being produced by Ed Buller of Suede/Pulp fame). You can get a taste of what to expect in the video below:

The Cheek Live at Maida Vale BBC Radio 1 from The Cheek on Vimeo.

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1.) Fool’s Gold – Nadine
While Fool’s Gold’s self-titled debut album isn’t technically new (their album was released last September), they are just now starting to get recognized. BBC’s Paul Clarke labeled them as “pan global pop” and, in an interview from the LA Times, they call themselves part of the “Afro-Hebrew-soul-pop-dance trend.” Fool’s Gold is made up of two core members from Los Angeles (Luke Top & Lewis Pesavoc (Lewis is also in the band Foreign Born)) plus as many as 15 additional players. Luke mainly sings in Hebrew, adding an unusual touch to this growing music trend. Seriously good stuff. Buy their album HERE.
Fool’s Gold – Nadine

2.) Midlake – Acts of Man
Midlake’s vocalist Tim Smith has said that he is strongly influenced by Jethro Tull and wishes that they could sound more like them. From what I have heard from their new album, “The Courage of Others,” they succeed and then some. But that is what makes Midlake so interesting – you can hear their influences but they still maintain their own unique sound. This track effectively transports you to a place deep in the woods, a place untouched by modern technology. “Courage of Others” comes out on 2/2.
Midlake-Acts of Man

3.) Simian Mobile Disco – Cruel Intentions (feat. Beth Ditto) (Heartbreak’s Slow Action Remix)
Originally found on Simian Mobile Disco’s album “Temporary Pleasure” released last August, this recently released remix breathes new life into a what was already a terrific song. Considering one of Simian’s team, James Ford, has produced albums by Klaxons, Florence & The Machine and Arctic Monkeys, it is no surprise that this song is so fantastic. Featuring vocals from Beth Ditto, the singer from The Gossip, it just makes you want to DANCE.
Simian Mobile Disco -Cruel Intentions (Heartbreak’s Slow Action Remix)

4.) Staphan O’Bell – From my rooftop
Staphan’s voice blows me away. There is definitely a Thom Yorke influence but it’s not overwhelming. Hailing from Stockholm, Sweden, his MySpace page lists his influences as “The relationship between Bob Dylan & Edie Sedgwick.” Can’t go wrong with that. You can buy his EP now HERE.
Staphan O’Bell – From my rooftop

5.) Caribou – Odessa
With Caribou, you really do not know what to expect. When I saw that Caribou (Caribou = Dan Snaith) was releasing a new album this year, my curiosity was definitely peaked. Odessa hit the blogs this week and I have to say it’s pretty incredible. It’s a dance track but also something more…a futuristic pop song at it’s best. While reading up on the new album, I also learned that Dan has his Ph.D. in math from The Imperial College London. Talent + brains = Caribou. The new album “Swim” comes out on 4/20.
Caribou – Odessa

6.) The Pinecones – Sage
Toronto’s The Pinecones (fka Brent Randall and his Pinecones) are truly a great example of lo-fi experimental rock. I found myself listening to this song wondering if was actually recorded in 1968. It’s a perfect summer song and makes me crave long, sunny, June afternoons. Check out more about the band HERE. Their album “Sage” was released on 1/19 and will be available on iTunes on 2/9.
Pinecones – Sage

7.) Holly Miranda – Waves (Rodaidh Radio Edit)
Holly’s voice is full of longing but also slightly distant and untouchable. Formerly of the band The Jealous Girlfriends, Holly has plenty of her own unique talent. Her upcoming album “The Magicians Private Library” is being produced by TV on the Radio’s David Sitek which means we should be expecting big things. Out on 2/23.
Holly Miranda – Waves (Rodaidh radio edit)

8.) Jay Electronica – Suckas
Jay Electronica is AMAZING. Really, really amazing. URB magazine labeled him “some sort of hip-hop Jack Kerouac.” If you aren’t familiar with him, check out his reworking of the soundtrack to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind HERE. What absolutely blew my mind about this song is the fact he samples “Kisses Sweeter Than Wine” by The Weavers. Are you kidding me? That is one of my favorite songs of all time. And he uses it brilliantly. No firm date for an album release.
Jay Electronica – Suckas

9.) a Singer of Songs – Road To Nowhere
a Singer of Songs is Lieven Scheerlinck of Barcelona, Spain. His album “Old Happiness” was released on 1/5 and is kind of like a warm blanket you want to put over you after a bad day. It’s haunting and sweet but there is a tinge of despair laced within in. You can buy the album HERE.
a Singer of Songs – Road to Nowhere

10.) Efterklang – Modern Drift
Efterklang comes to us from Copenhagen, Denmark and I was surprised to learn that they actually have two full-length albums already released. Surprised because they are so good I am amazed/sad that I haven’t heard more about them before now. With this song they prove they are experts at sonic layering, the vocals intertwine with the instruments perfectly. Their album “Magic Chairs” comes out on 2/23.
Efterklang – Modern Drift

Oldie but worth a re-listen:
1.) Lou Reed – Sweet Jane – Live in Paris, 1974
The quality of this video may not be amazing but the performance is outstanding. The real reward comes in at 2:22.

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Grab one of these amazing posters if you can. All net proceeds go to Haiti via OXFAM. Designed by my friend Kii Arens for Radiohead’s show in Los Angeles on 1/24/10 & you can get one HERE

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It’s been a blustery & rainy week here in Los Angeles; it’s amazing how a week of nonstop rain can really affect your mood. And also your music choices. This weeks picks are definitely electropop heavy but there is, I hope, a little something for everyone:

1.) Gold Canary – Cloud Control
Cloud Control is out of Sydney, Australia and they originally formed in order to compete in a band competition (which they won). If you like Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and/or Fleet Foxes, this track will definitely appeal to you. Their album “Blue Canary” is expected to release early this year.
Cloud Control – Gold Canary

2.) Shameless (feat. Bryan Ferry) – Groove Armada
All I ask is that you give this song a chance. The more I listen to it, the more I WANT to listen to it. It’s dreamlike and cinematic. Maybe it’s the French speaker in the beginning or Bryan Ferry’s luxurious voice carrying us along. Nothing could have fit my rain-soaked days better. Groove Armada’s album “Black Light” comes out on 3/2.
Groove Armada (feat. Bryan Ferry) – Shameless

3.) Dreamin’ – Feldberg
Just a nice, pure, simple love song. Feldberg comes to us from Iceland, and the the two singers voices, provided by Rósa Birgitta Ísfeld and Eberg (Einar Tönsberg), seem to match up perfectly. Feldberg’s album is set to be released in the US some time this year.
Feldberg – Dreamin’

4.) Unity – GZA / Salvador Santana / Dan Deacon
I really don’t know anything about this song apart from the fact that I really, really like it. I discovered it on Passion of the Weiss but, whether or not this is actually going to end up on an album? I can’t say. Just have to enjoy the goodness of the song for now.
GZA/Salvador Santana/Dan Deacon -Unity

5.) The Trailer And The Truck – Josiah Wolf
Josiah was previously the drummer for the band Why? and proves, with this song, that he can make it on his own just fine. What impressed me most about this song is the way he layered the bells, drums and xylophones along with his vocals. His album “Jet Lag” comes out 3/3.
Josiah Wolf – The Trailer and The Truck

6.) Tane Mahuta – The Ruby Suns
This band has definitely hit the blog world by storm. At first listen I dismissed this song as “just another band trying to create shoegazer-music-with-an-African-spin.” But the more I listened to it, the more depth I discovered. The Ruby Suns are from New Zealand although the main singer, Ryan McPhun, is originally from Ventura, CA. He spent a lot of time traveling the world and much of this album reflects styles from various places he traveled to. According to the band page on Sub Pop’s (their label) website, Tane Mahuta is actually an “ode to great Waipoua Forest near Auckland.” Their album “Fight Softly” comes out on 3/2.
The Ruby Suns -Tane Mahuta

7.) Soldier of Love Remix – Sade ft. Raheem DeVaughn
Raheem DeVaughn actually has his own album, “The Love & War MasterPeace,” coming out on 3/2. However, he was kind enough to share a free album of remixes, covers and b-sides with the world for our enjoyment. This track is my favorite off of the album “Mr February aka March Madness” but check out the whole album if you have a chance. You can get it here: http://368musicgroup.bandcamp.com/album/mr-february-aka-march-madness
Raheem DeVaughn -Soldier of Love (Feat. Sade)

8.) The Radio Dept. – Heaven’s On Fire
Do you ever want to just get home from work, turn off your brain for a while and listen to some soothing music to help you forget the day? This song fits into that musical category. It’s nothing too out there or mind blowing, but it’s easy, catchy and overall just very pleasant. They hail from Sweden and are probably best known for their songs featured in Sofia Coppola’s film, “Marie Antoinette.” Their new record “Clinging To A Scheme” is due out in March.
The Radio Dept – Heaven’s On Fire

9.) One Life Stand – Hot Chip
Here is another band that is getting a lot of press ahead of their new album. This track starts out dark but wait until about 2 minutes in, “I only wanna be your one life stand (Keep on feeling) Tell me do you stand by your whole man.” Hot Chip means it…will you stand by them? Let their songs grow on you. Spend time listening to them, it’s worth your while. Their new album “One Life Stand” is due out 2/9. Strange/awesome video HERE.

10.) Make You Mine – Breakbot
It’s time to go out. It’s time to have fun with your friends and celebrate something…anything. Parisian Thibaut Berland aka Breakbot, has taken his degree in computer graphics and translated it into creating fun French music you want to enjoy life to. You want to go sit on a yacht and have a dance party. So do it all, and remember to listen to Breakbot while you do it. His EP titled “Baby I’m Yours” comes out this year.
Breakbot – Make You Mine

11.) VCR – The XX – Matthew Dear remix
Matthew Dear added warmth and accessibility to this song. The XX provided him with a base and he created a entirely new piece of art from it. Matthew moved to Michigan as a teenager and has said that the Detroit techno scene had a big influence on him. His talent can definitely be heard on this remix.
XX – VCR (Matthew Dear remix)

Oldie but worth a re-listen:

1. The Clovers – Fool, Fool, Fool

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New Gorillaz song up. And…it’s amazing.

mp3 -Gorillaz -Stylo-Feat.-Bobby-Womack-Mos-Def

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