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My new music recommendations for the week of January 11th, 2010. So much good music this week:

1. ) Like A Ship – T.L. Barrett & Youth for Chris Choir
This comes from the amazing Numero Group’s 30th release titled: “Good God! Born Again Funk” to be released on 1/30. This specific track is from a 1971 recording and features T.L Barrett, who was preacher at Mt. Zion Church in Chicago. Even if you aren’t religious, I guarantee this song will cheer you up. It gives me new hope every single time I listen to it.
T.L. Barrett & Youth for Christ Choir – Like A Ship (Good God! Born Again Funk 1.30)

2.) Girls’ Night – First Rate People
At first I thought I was going to hate this song. The girls voice in the beginning irked me and I wasn’t going to give it a chance. But just wait until the male voice comes in and then it gets you. You are hooked. At least, I certainly was. It’s a pop song I can get behind. First Rate People hail from Toronto and, although no release date is confirmed, it is likely the full length album, “It’s Never Not Happening, will come out in 2010.
First Rate People – Girls’ Night

3.) Lewis Takes Action – Owen Pallett / Final Fantasy
This track does not disappoint. The beginning pulls you in and it’s mysterious orchestral quality, reminiscent of Sufjan Stevens’ “Illinois” album, really makes it a song that is worth multiple listens. It’s also worth noting that the album it comes from, the just released “Heartland,” is mixed by Rusty Santos who has also worked with Animal Collective, Panda Bear and Grizzly Bear to name a few.
Final Fantasy -Lewis Takes Action

4.) Holding on to your name – The Idaho Falls
First off, I love that this band is from Los Angeles. They don’t sound like they would be! I love, love, love the banjo used on this track. And the lyrics are so sweet, all about that first love that still sits on your heart. Their album “The Spark” comes out on 1/26. Possibly my favorite pick of the week.
The Idaho Falls -Holding on to your name

5.) Tiger Mountain Peasant Song (Fleet Foxes cover) – First Aid Kit
I absolutely love this Fleet Foxes cover. It’s so girly, flowy and just plain pretty. First Aid Kit are from Sweden (so much amazing music coming out of there) and they had planned to come to the US this spring for a tour but are struggling with VISA issues so it is not clear when a tour will happen. Just two young girls with amazing voices.
First Aid Kit -Tiger Mountain Peasant Song

6.) Morning Light – Blastoids
This song is slightly anxiety inducing so I don’t recommend listening to it if you are feeling any kind of stress. Yet, it’s also well done and the balance of the electronic backing with the mildly-shout-like vocals somehow make this work. Not technically a new song, as it comes from last years EP “Megachurch,” but since they are still relatively unknown, I felt it was worth adding. The band hails from Murfreesboro, Tennessee and have plans to release an new album this year.
Blastoids -Morning Light

7.) Bicycle – Yarn Owl
Another sweet song. Yarn Owl comes from Pullman, WA and they definitely have elements of another Washington band, Fleet Foxes, about them. The song makes me want to hear the rest of their album due out this year titled “Stay Warm.”
Yarn Owl – Bicycle

Oldies but worth a re-listen:

1.) Let’s Dance (David Bowie Cover) – M. Ward
This is from a May 6, 2004 recording from KCRW’s Sounds Eclectic. I am normally pretty opposed to David Bowie covers. His voice is so unique and there is just a style to his overall performance that I feel is hard to replicate. M. Ward however inserts a warm fuzzy glow to “Lets Dance.” It’s pretty and seductive. Gorgeous.
M. Ward-Let’s Dance (David Bowie Cover)

2.) Electric Slim & The Factory Hen – T.Rex
Taken from T. Rex’s 8th album, “Tanx.” It’s gooooood.
T.Rex -Electric Slim & The Factory Hen

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