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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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