The Neighbourhood - Sweater Weather

These guys are fantastic:

2012 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here's an excerpt:

600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 12,000 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 20 years to get that many views.

Click here to see the complete report.

Since it is the season to be jolly...here is an antidote...cheers,kristopher

Ruby Ann Patterson

Ruby Ann Patterson reminds somewhat me of a young Tori Amos, her beautiful voice swept by emotion - soft and vulnerable, and yet strong, self-aware.

From her website (http://www.rubyannpatterson.co.uk):

"Ruby Ann Patterson is a precocious Manchester-based singer songwriter dealing in reflective wisdom infused with natural optimism and unselfconscious emotion. Hers is a voice defying description. Powerfully soft; gentle yet fervent, driving delicate melodies with an intensity and complexity belying her youth. Ruby Ann's soulful vocals are matched by her haunting talents on piano and guitar."

Listen to more on Ruby Ann's Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/rubby-ann-patterson

Dropkick Murphys - The Season's Upon Us

It's Boxing day here - so we're still Christmassing honestly. This video from Dropkick Murphys' shiney, new & soon-to-be-released (Jan 8 2013) album should give you some idea of what ... what Christmas is like where I'm from. Merry Christmas! :)

Antonia Vai - The Smallest Song In The World

Short, but sweet ;)

Ben Howard Live @ Amoeba

At least 12, oh at least 15+ people at this record store event (ok probably one or two more :) ) - and I just watched the whole concert so I figured I'd share it. I'm totally grokking the girl at 33:45, singing along with Ben & realising that... she's probably been singing along to the entire set ;)

Hornsman Coyote & Jah Mason - Belly of the Beast

This song is really summing up a lot for me right now - from the various global crises to my current festively Christmas mood.

Hornsman Coyote is 'a reggae trombonist and singer, hailing from Serbia'. Epic headgear, a fine trombone solo, brofists and Reggae win the day. Enjoy :)

James Apollo - Ho ho, ho hum

A new, blue Christmas classic to enjoy as we slip into the festive season :)

Fossil Collective - Let it Go

A sweet, animated video :)

Vietnam - Kitchen Kongas

So yes it has been a helluva long time since I posted...well anything. Really it comes down to me not saying anything unless I really feel I have something to share. Well I certainly got one to share with you today. Vietnam released the new single off their upcoming album this week and I am hooked. I haven't been able to stop listening to it, because, it certainly gives me a sense of nostalgia from back when I was a young fella smoking joints kicking back and grooving out to great music. This is totally one of those tunes I would have had going on back then. So as a result it has quickly become one of my faves of 2012. Pretty amazing to me considering how late in the year this one entered the game. Anyhow give it a listen and I hope you enjoy it as much as I.

Citizens! - True Romance

I cannot stop listening to this song on repeat :) True Romance is a track from Citizens!' October 2012 album, Here We Are. This debut album was produced by Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos  and is seasoned with a bit of 80s synth pop and 90s Brit pop. So here they are with a little tasty treat for your ears :)

Kennef Riggles

I rediscovered Esthero a few weeks ago and am in love with her style... it only took 14 years lol

Esthero - Heaven Sent

Obsequious Robonaught

I bumped into Obs and he pointed out these two songs:

Dan Mangan - Road Regrets

Cinematic Orchestra feat. Patrick Watson - "To Build a Home"

(Text from the video) Astrophysicist Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson was asked by a reader of TIME magazine, "What is the most astounding fact you can share with us about the Universe?" This is his answer.

Fields of the Nephilim

Imagine Snake Pliskin (from Escape from LA/Ney York) having read (and underlined) the stuff about angels in all the books left out the Bible, strange stuff from Sumeria co-mingled with H.P. Lovecraft's Old Gods.

Now picture all that taking the form of a rock band - with smoke, lights, trenchcoats, black hats - and you'll get moments something like those in the videos below, which are from Fields of the Nephilim's 2008 live shows in London - released in 2012.

Best band ever.

Fields of the Nephilim - Wail Of Sumer / And There Will Your Heart Be Also

Fields of the Nephilim - Psychonaut

Stereophonics - In a Moment

Posting this song on behalf of Leona:

Stereophonics - In A Moment

You think you've got it all
The writing is on the wall
You're praying to your Lord
Searching for your soul
Cause you just need to know
The emptiness will go
In a moment

The Head and the Heart

The Head and the Heart - Rivers and Roads

Been talking bout the way things change
and my family lives in a different state
and if you don't know what to make of this
then we will not relate

Rivers and roads (x2)
rivers 'til i reach you



The Head and the Heart - Down In The Valley

One more for the stars and the eyes of the walls
I saw your face, I heard you callin' out

I saw your face in the crowd and you came out
Just like the sun and the moon and the stars at night

There was a sign on the door and it reads to me
Just like the sun and the moon and the stars at night

A guilty pleasure of sorts

KANJENA

There can be no shame in pleasure, and no guilt in the art of partying, as long as nobody gets hurt then there's no need for remorse. There is pleasure in the infliction of discomfortingly uncool music on those that take themselves too seriously, and there is no shame enjoying the moment as they squirm in their self righteous seats. The wonder of Sabrina singing Boys is in the simple power of a strident and dominating female, wanting boys for her non guilty pleasure, looking for a good time shamelessly, and gladly bouncing around the pool, demanding that they, the boys, "get ready for my love"
As an 11 year old I wanted to be her, to have a body like that, to frolic in a pool in the sunshine surrounded by adoring boys and girls, and to be in control of that sunshine, to have the power to bring the sunshine down and just sink under the water and drown in boys, boys, boys...there's the guilt and there's the pleasure.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiuHdUkuRi0]

Guilty pleasures of the Ninetails

Thank you very much to the Prof and the Profette for their contributions.....more to come over the week :)

PROFESSOR TERI NINETAILS

So, yeah, there is definitely a song I jam out to, but only when nobody else can hear; I make sure the windows are up in my car for this one. Miley Cyrus, Party in the USA. I just can't help it, okay? I'm just... noddin' my head like "yeah," and movin' my hips like "yeah"...

PROFESSORETTE VIOLET NINETAILS

Oh, one of these things? Crap. I can never pick one thing so I'm just going to close my eyes and blurt out the first thing that comes to mind: Crush - Jellyhead! I have absolutely no idea how long I've loved this song, but hearing it makes me feel fourteen with the world ahead of me every time. It's actually kind of a "Hate You" song, I guess, but it's super optimistic to me; I suppose that may be all the nostalgia I have stuck to it. Or, you know, literally anything by Savage Garden, but that's cheating because I was a thirteen year old girl once.

The Joy Formidable

The Joy Formidable's new album, 'Wolf's Law' is due out in January 2013, and in the meantime, there's a single and some videos to enjoy:

The Joy Formidable - Wolf's Law

The Joy Formidable - This Ladder Is Ours

Daughter - Run

This video would have had my vote for video of the year, if it didn't end after the first chorus...

While I powder my nose,
He will powder his guns,
And if I try to get close,
He is already gone,
I don't know where he's going,
I don't know where he's been.
But he is restless at night,
He has horrible dreams.

So we lay in the dark,
Cause we've got nothing to say.
Just the beating of hearts,
Like two drums in the grey.
I don't know what we're doing,
I don't know what we've done.
But the fire is coming,
So I think we should run.

I think we should run, run, run, run..
Run, run, run, run..
Run, run, run, run..

Elitist - Unto the Sun

Every once in a while there's a band that comes along that generates in the listener real reactions of surprise, amazement and wonder. There's an emoticon that is used on the Internet to denote wide eyes that is really applicable to Elitist:

O.O

Open up your mind
Disconnect from what you know to be reality
Fuse into your surroundings
You're not alone
Underneath the sun
You're not alone
Underneath this illusion

Umbrellas Hide Life

Free download

Mad About Bo Ningen!

Heard this track the other day and felt compelled to bring it to the site to let all of you hear it as well. Just love the passion in this tune and, as Bruce pointed out at my dj set last night in Second Life when I played it, it has many layers to it as well. Give it a go and see what you think. Xx

Ben Howard - Burgh Island EP

Ben Howard is releasing a new EP (tomorrow, 6 November, for the folks not in the UK.) called Burgh Island. Below is a link to the video, 'Esmerelda' from the EP. For more details, take a look at Ben's website and if you missed his debut album, 'Every Kingdom' (2011) you can pick up a copy from there as well:

http://www.benhowardmusic.co.uk

So, tell me something...

Hi all, Giara here! I love to pop into the Cantina to find out what you are all listening to and what you have to say about the music. Indie Cantina, IC,  has been a great place for me to learn about new and new to me music, but today, I want to know a little bit more about the IC community. So, after getting the thumbs up from Mr. Indie Cantina, we're starting an "about the listener" series here. To kick this off, I welcome you to the Guilty Pleasures Series! What song are you embarrassed to love? Do not act like you don't know what I'm talking about...that song  you rock out to in your skivvies when you are home alone...that pop boy band that you claim to not know how it got on your iPod...the corny love song that always gets you choked up!


Can't believe I'm admitting I like this song...

This isn't a huge commitment, so please participate! All you need to do is copy down the youtube address for your selected tune and write as much or as little as you'd like about it. You have several options for posting...if you are already a contributing author on IC feel free to post whenever you'd like. If you prefer to have me post for you, email me at giara.hailstorm@gmail.com or inworld on SL, drop a notecard to Giara Diller-Borgnine.

I have a couple of entries waiting in the wings, but would like to gather more before I post them. I look forward to hearing all about your awesomely bad musical love affairs!

MUSE Exogenesis：Symphony Part 3

Japanese comedian who uses his illustrations for his comedy.
He made his flip book "pendulum" for a TV program this spring.
He uses Muse's "Exogenesis：Symphony Part 3" as its BGM.
The video was uploaded to youtube and became a topic of conversation in Japan.
It became Muse's official video.Watch the original version.

Chapman Family

Here's the playlist for the Chapman Family, as well as the individual videos:

Youtube Playlist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toe4sItABaA

2:54

Below is a video playlist for the wonderful Shoegaze band '2:54', as well a video ;)

playlist?list=PLBSqQAOLVBq3HN7bjZS9scNiRFr1XYvP4

Imagine Dragons

(Thanks Blurred Katie for this post - a lyrics game message from Imagine Dragons :) )

Hey guys! More info for you on our upcoming lyric video for "Hear Me" - which we want you to be a part of =) The link we sent last night only opens on computers (not phones), but basically here's how it works: choose a word from the song, find a way to visualize that word (writing it in an interesting way, representing it somehow, or whatever you want), and take a photo of it using Instagram with the tag #imaginedragonsphotos ..... we'll choose our favorites to feature in the video! For those who submitted and don't see their photo in the gallery, double check your hashtag! Here's some early entries - deadline is THURSDAY!

http://bit.ly/Wzj7AK

Joseph Arthur

Joseph Arthur - Travel as Equals

In the dark of graveyard chatter
In the light of freedoms call
In the heat of any matter
We travel as equals or not at all

Bloom disgust and class divide
I saw it written on the wall
The only way we can survive
We travel as equals or not at all

Raveonettes - Observations

This woman said I’m torn between two lives

Visions of young lovers holding hands in joyful rides
Wishing they would never be apart
And so again I hold on to someone I can’t have
Obsessed with all the things that we could do

Take me on a night drive and take me home again
A quiet trip where we will meet the end
To live like common people I never think I’ll do
In defiance of a love not realized

I love the 'Gimme Shelter'-style guitar lines ;)

Jesca Hoop - Deeper Devastation

This slow, soft, bittersweet song is from Jesca Hoop's new album, "The House that Jack Built".

I'm a lover wild
I'm a loyal child
And I've burned your eyes on mine
When the bones collide
And the rocks catch fire
And your greed swallows me whole

Under the power of
Our one and only sun

Asaf Avidan

One day baby, we'll be old
Oh baby, we'll be old
And think of all the stories that we could have told...



Asaf Avidan - One day / Reckoning Song (Wankelmut Remix)

Mumford and Sons - I Will Wait

Mumford and Sons have recently released their long-awaited sophomore album. This song, 'I Will Wait' is the first single from the album. There has been a version of the song on youtube for some time now, which has as the video - endless road scrolling past the camera... just tar, tar, tar, which I'm sure is a recurring theme for the band, given Mumford & Sons non-stop touring schedule since they released their first album in 2009.

'Babel' is the fastest selling album of 2012 in the UK, selling over 150k copies in its first week, and was the biggest selling debut of any album in 2012 in the US, selling 600,000 in its first week. (wiki)

The video below is an official, high-definition version of the single. Enjoy :)

Blue Angel Lounge

These guys have been collecting cash and gathering momentum, and have recently toured the US. This track is off their new EP, 'Ewig':

Their website: http://blueangellounge.com

Another track :)

Firewater - The Monkey Song

Firewater are a "world, gypsy punk" band from the USA, formed in 1995 by frontman Tod A. Firewater's seventh studio album, International Orange! was released this year, and I'm loving it.

'The Monkey Song' from the album has some Bhangra beats, a girl playing trombone, and a WHOLE LOTTA MONKEY! :)

Hear for yourself:




Monkey girl,
I wanna be your monkey man.
Monkey girl,
I wanna be your monkey man.
Monkey girl,
I wanna be your monkey man.
Monkey girl,
I wanna be your monkey man.
Let's do it again! Let's do it again!
Do it again.
Let's do it again! Let's do it again!
Let's do it again! Let's do it again!
(it's the monkey song!)

Mother Mother - Bit by Bit

Some bands are just crazy good, and Canadian band Mother Mother is one of them. Mother Mother released their third album 'Eureka' in 2011, and fourth 'The Sticks' on September 18, 2012.

The song below ('Bit by Bit') matches the title theme of ;moving into the sticks':

Bit by bit, gonna get my bricks out in the sticks
Bit by bit, gonna build my house in the wildest thickets
Gonna get away from all those mouths and my shit
Gonna say good bye to all the la-di-da-di-da-di-da-di-da

Crazy White Boy - Zoma

I've promised to post this song a couple of times, so here it is :)

Crazy White Boy's bio reads:

"Crazy White Boy is the brainchild of South African producers Ryan Murgatroyd and Kosta Karatamoglou. Both experienced and successful DJs and producers in their own right, the pair met and decided to collaborate."

Jezabels - Easy to Love

Mars Gelber played this song, and I thought I'd note it here. In 2009 and 2010, before releasing their debut album "Prisoners" (in 2011), The Jezabels released three EPs, which are really beautiful.

Oh, let me go, let me go, let me go out into the sinful world that you know
That you really love
Just let me be easy to love

When you get your groove on, I go blind
When you get your groove on, I loose my mind
When you get your groove on, the whole world goes blind
So get your groove on girl, we'll go wild.

Lost In Youtube (or) Ghost In Translation

Aside from translation, sometimes I also get "lost in new stuff".
New social webcrap, new bands and songs, new posts (!), new news...
Romantic alternative songs from the 80's are just perfect to slow it down. It's just like there was a "ghost in me" to pull me back in time. Sitting me in a wood chair, slapping my face and putting an old book in my hands.
"I know you won't read it but, at least, listen to this!"...he says while the turntable arm moves alone.



(ahead)
I must confess I really don't like Youtube...don't ask me why. It's an inexplicable and controlled antipathy.

There are youtubers that mix/blend movie scenes with a particular song THEY like. That can result in a complete disaster to our senses. That can be compared with someone that put's a soundtrack together with their holidays footage and then INVITE YOU TO COME BY AND SHARE IT WITH YOU! (Sometimes they don't even offer you a proper dinner!)

We call it here, something like, "Depressing Little Treasures". We all find those horrible pieces of non-creativity everytime we go look in Youtube for a certain unexistent "official" videoclip. I believe many of you agree with me so far, but...today I found a beautifull "depressing little treasure" and I finally realized that their existence, just like feet nails, can make some sense.



First, the song...It must be a good one, as I keep listening to it for almost 3 decades now. Nothing much sophisticated to say about it, I find melody/instrumentation/voice/lyrics were all  successfully worked out, in a very pleasant way.
Then the movie, this movie is...well, I'm not interested in discussing it because what I really like in it is Scarlett. She's a visual "Ghost In You".
I am almost sure that this "little treasure's" author didn't even realized that the song and Scarlett were both born in 1984...
It makes things even more interesting.

Resuming, maybe things don't really have to make any sense if they are, somehow, pleasant to us.
Sense may be found after.

Maybeshewill - You Can't Shake Hands With a Clenched Fist /Co-Conspirators

Manchester Orchestra - Shake it Out

This is not Manchester Orchestra's most recent song, but for some reason it makes sense to start here.

Calexico - Epic

Nights we hide between the walls and voices leading on the ground
Arms reaching out, hoping for the chance to start
Hearts holding out waiting for the bells to

Bring my words to all of you and if they ever hear my voice
Hold me in your thoughts laid out twisted in defense,
Hoping for the chance to start

Hearts holding out waiting for the bells to
Send my love to all my friends and if I never make it back
To hold you in my arms again not letting go this time

Band of Skulls - Navigate

Band of Skulls - Navigate

Time and tide wait for no man
Slowly realize as fast as you can
Thought I saw a glimpse of how you were at five
Ain't it strange how these things take you by surprise

We are drifting on a deep sea
And I can't navigate the stars like my father
Oh we're drifting out to sea into deep water
If we're scared it puts us under

If you're thinking what you know is true
then tell them, let them notice
If your time comes, ask the question:
"Were you tender to those you hold dear?"

Monastery of Sound

There's a new indie club, and this was the poster for the opening yesterday:

Amanda Palmer

Amanda Palmer - Trout Heart Replica

"Theatre Is Evil" [2012] is a studio album by Amanda Palmer (of punk cabaret Dresden Dolls) and Grand Theft Orchestra. The album is Palmer's third solo project, following "Amanda Palmer Goes Down Under" [2011] and "Who Killed Amanda Palmer" [2008].

'Trout Heart Replica' was written after Palmer visited a trout farm where you select your fish and watch it be prepared for consumption. Whether you walk away believing this song's message is pro-vegans, the dilemma of the omnivore, or just the pain in hurting others, I think it all results in her raw voice and keyboard breaking your heart.

(Review by Giara Diller-Borgnine)




The Wedding Present new album "Valentina"

The Wedding Present have a new album "Valentina" out this year, first one since 2008, and it's chock full of the stuff fans have come to expect and love from these guys. Smart songs about dysfunctional relationships, sex, pining, angst, bitter jealousy, dry humour and jaded outlooks on life, in the classic Wedding Present indie Brit-rock style.  Included in this album is what I consider one of their crowning glories of angry songs about fucked up relationships, "You're Dead"

Oh, Dave, you sure know how to pick 'em. You'd think he'd give up on dating already.

Jeff Buckley - All Flowers In Time Bend Towards The Sun

Elizabeth Fraser has returned to sing after so many years, and I’m sure Jeff is happy and wants to sing for her.

We had a special in our radio, without knowing that in same moment a friend, Alessio Franchini, was singing in Paradiso, Amsterdam:

GARY LUCAS & Holland Metropole Orchestra @ Paradiso Amsterdam 09-2 2012
THE MUSIC OF JEFF BUCKLEY & GARY LUCAS - Vocals: Alessio Franchini

Yes, i am sure that Jeff is happy for this.

Giara Diller-Borgnine

The Kills' cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" just sounds deliciously dirty to me.

The Vaccines - Teenage Icon

The Vaccines' new album, "Come of Age" was released yesterday - along with a new single, Teenage Icon:

Check out the band's site here: www.thevaccines.co.uk

(And thanks to our ever-vigilant Leona for tracking this release! :) )

Whales in Cubicles

Whales in Cubicles were named as "Ones to Watch" by the Independant this month... and I'll be watching them for sure:

Here's a link to their website:

http://whalesincubicles.com/

And here a list of their songs on soundcloud:

http://soundcloud.com/whales-in-cubicles

I have fun some nights

Reminiscent of Queen's "A night at the opera" I heartily approve of a little Fun.

That was the interlude and here is the song...which is completely different as a video and yet still just as engaging, even more so. Gone is the Queen and in comes the George Michael. I don't mean the crappy George Michael either, I mean the height of his popularity and creativity George Michael.

Guy Buttery & Nibs van der Spuy

I studied music history with Guy... some years ago. Guy has always been a talented musician - as long as I've known him, and in Nibs van der Spuy, he has a sturdy and spectacular collaborator. Nibs and Guy will be touring Europe next month, supporting their recent album, "In the Shade of the Wild Fig".

Quoted from their site:

After more than a decade of recording and performing together, internationally renowned guitarists Nibs van der Spuy and Guy Buttery have finally released their debut collaboration album. The album showcases their mutual interest and deep love for World Music and various folk movements featuring numerous instruments such as the cuatro, mbira, tampura, sitar and various acoustic guitars.

http://nibsvanderspuyandguybuttery.bandcamp.com

Good Morning!

At least in Europe :). Anyhow, good what you want

The Polyphonic Spree is a choral symphonic pop rock band from Dallas, Texas that was formed in 2000 by Tim DeLaughter. The band's sound relies on a variety of vocal and instrumental color by featuring a choir, flute, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola, cello, percussion, piano, guitars, bass, drums, electronic keyboards, and EWI.

Livio by Radio CiBiGiBi

Grimes "Genesis"

I love Grimes and this song and now the official video is out. I have a second song of summer. Here it is. Grimes is amazing and she does it all on her own. I see "Genesis" is already posted but the official video is really awesome. I will let the music and visuals take over now. Enjoy!

Chrisodd

Picking only two top, favourite tunes of 2012, so far is not so simple. A load of tunes released this year have all the features of a great single/song. So I had to pick among songs that lift my spirit or make me happy or give me pleasure or a hug or all of these at the same time. I finally choose two that combine spirit-lifting and huggies. Sorry for the others.

First, a MYLO remix of "Reunion" , one of the best songs ever written by the cool French M83, from their 2011 "Hurry up, We are dreaming" LP, that came out as a single this year. Stripped down to the basics and fueled with bass liquor it turned out as a sweet, nostalgic tune: easy to dance, dream and get blissful at the same time.



Second is a non-single song from the The Beach House's second dream pop masterpiece LP in a row, from "The Hours" could stand as a single alone but the most important of all is that it's sweet melodies and dreamy arrangements plus the amazing magical voice of miss Legrand turn a simple dream pop to a hug anthem, ready to embrace and comfort you...

The Kamera Klub August

(Picture of Koi by Bruce Fraser)

It was just that kind of party. DJ Paradox Messmer provided the music - a mix of psychadelic and futuristic tunes including Dead Meadow and Pink Floyd. The Kamera Klub is a monthly event, organised by ByrneDarkly Cazalet, comprised of a two hour photo session for the participants:

Unique avatars modeling in static poses from the top pose and propmakers in Secondlife. Guests are invited to snap away as the model changes from one dramatic pose to the next to the tunes of the featured DJ. Each session has a different artistic theme where photographers are encouraged to dress accordingly. Participants are invited to display shots taken at Kamera Klub sessions on the walls of the club itself and also to join in on contests inworld and on flickr.

View the Kamera Klub pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/thekameraklub/pool/



(Picture of ByrneDarkly by Bruce Fraser)

Sean (Glassman74)

My two tracks happen to feature two female artists both of who have voices that really strike me hard.

Fist off I got Lana Del Rey who's debut CD came out earlier this year. My favorite track off of it is Summertime Sadness because the lyrics totally match her vocal style and really really touch you deep down inside and evoke strong emotions.

Second up I got an established artist who also has powerful vocals and lyrics in her past and her newest work does not disappoint while being a dramatic change of pace from her traditional sound. Cherokee is a track off of Cat Power's upcoming CD "Sun" due out September 4th, check it out! VERY different from what she usually does.

My Summer Tune Ariel Pink's Haunted Grafitti's Only In My Dreams

It is brand spanking new and a happy happy joy joy song. The video is cool too a little spoof on Bonnie and Clyde (which is a damn good film). I wanted to post "Baby" but no visuals are provided yet for that but is it a sexy song. I have been loving some Ariel Pink for sometime and this new one out this week "Mature Themes" (you can hear tracks there) is up there on my list. I wanna dance under and the summer moon with my sweetie to it ;-)

Zoidyn Kytori

Lumineers - Ho Hey

My choice for Song of Summer 2012, it's a spirit lifting song that captures the joy and true creativty of indie music. This is the kind of song that begs to be sung along to with a group of friends, and will bring back memories of good times when heard on the radio years from now.

===============================

Rodrigo y Gabriela

If you haven't heard RodGab's incredible acoustic guitar work before, you're in for a real treat! Their music is fast, rhythmic and full of energy. Gabriela's technique is very unique, combining a percussion beat on the face of the guitar with lightning fast fingering on the strings. Rodrigo plays response to Gabriela, sometimes following, suddenly jumping ahead and then coming together to create a musical explosion that is impossible to sit still to. Have a listen and see if you can detect the Metallica influence in their music. If you get a chance to see them live, do so. It'll be one of the best performances you'll ever experience!

Hanuman from the 11:11 album

Kristopher Walpole

The School of 7 Bells - The Night

The School of 7 Bells is a Euphoric rush of a song and it is the law that everyone has to like it.



Plants and Animals - Light Show

Lightshow is just good old fashioned guitar Angst.

Tia Violet

Cast - Troubled Thoughts

From their 2012 comeback album Troubled Times. In my opinion they were great back in the day and they are still great now. Seen them live at Chester Rocks, June 2012 and they did not disappoint. They've still got it.

Ben Howard - The Fear

Not sure what it is about this song, I just love it. Upbeat and acoustic but yet mellow and easy listening. Its got a bit of everything. One of those songs you cant stop yourself singing along to but also makes you think.

The Dirty Glass

Paradox Messmer rocked the opening of the Dirty Glass last night, with a set of punk and post-punk thrillers that were as lively as the conversation.

The Lovely Lion

I found this new Icelandic band on www.swedesplease.net - it's a downloadable mp3, even:

The Lovely Lion - Into The Forest.mp3

Agnes Palmira

ALT-J - FITZPLEASURE

From their debut album "An Awesome Wave".

A special mention goes to this track - for the brilliant vocal and instrumental layering and dirty bass line that skip the line between dance and pop and something altogether more obscure...



KONX-OM-PAX - REGIONAL SURREALISM

And now for something completely different. A debut album from multi talented Glaswegian graphic artist/producer (also Mogwai collabolator) - Tom Scholefield. 'Regional Surrealism' is somewhere you'll want to lose yourself again and again. My personal fave of the moment.

Fuka Congrejo

Grimes - Genesis

Brilliant tune! The bass line has been in my head for some time.



Spiritualized - Hey Jane

Starting with thrilling guitar, this more than 8 minutes song never let me get bored till the end.

Giara Hailstorm

Funeral Suits - All Those Friendly People

I lack the musical mental library to tell you if a song is the baby of backwoods rock meets Polynesian nose flute porch music, but I can tell you how a song makes me feel. These lyrics are dim, but the music makes me feel hopeful, kind of like smiling through a shit storm. I like that "All Those Friendly People" makes me awkwardly dance in my chair.

This Dublin trio released their album, Lily of the Valley, on 1 April, 2012. It's easy to detect an accent (well, an accent to me, anyway) in all eleven tracks, and well, I don't hate that. In fact, I'm kind of a sucker for it.

Nicolas Jaar has a girl

He plays a very understated, minimalist, style of electronic music. This is something you would put on at the end of the night when it's just a few close friends left at the party, and everyone would dance hip to hip. I love the groovy, jazz laden feel to the flow and the latin percussion at the edge of your consciousness adds a nice bit of pizazz to it. This sound would have worked in the 60's but I don't think they would have known what to make of it.

Enjoy - Mik

Wolf Gang has fun with it

'It' being the emerging 2010 trend of merging classic synthpop with Indie sensibilities. 'Lions in cages' sat in my Itunes playlist un-noticed for several months. The song would come on and I would just assume it was Foster the People, or MGMT, or some such. However, today I was like "Who is that anyway?" and apparently I only had 2 tracks from some sampler CD's. An hour later I'm enjoying the album 'Suego Faults' for all of it's pop sensibilities. It's like an alchemical distilation of what is great about new music in the last few years. Songs like 'Stay and Defend' blend effortlessly between synthpop touches and overtones of The The's "This is the day", but by the time you get to the title track you have a piano accord hinting at the groove to come. This album is fun and energetic, warm and comfortable, new but familiar, all at the same time.



My wife tells me that the lead singer totally has a Michael Hutchins vibe about him. I have to say I agree. - Mik

Diamond Rings-I'm Just me.

This Is Tech Pop 21st Century Electro & New Wave, Evolution. It reminds me of my childhood xx

Katt Lexico

The Shins - Port of Morrow

As their previous album was dropped in 2007, The Shins' 2012 release of Port of Morrow was anticipated by many. This album definitely exceeded my expectations and keeps me coming back to listen again and again. "Port of Morrow," in particular, stuck out to me because of Mercer's harrowing vocals combined with the song's message of rebirth and recycling of life.



Zammuto - Too Late to Topologize

I heard Zammuto for the first time when I went to see Explosions in the Sky this summer. They opened the show and did an incredible job of creating a unique atmosphere by combining video projection (mostly nostalgic home videos) with electronic rhythms and heavy vocal effects. If this song in particular doesn't suit you, I encourage you to check out their entire self titled album, which was released in April of this year... Each song differs from the last and offers a variety of sounds.

Ichabod Mavendorf

Silversun Pickups - Neck of the Woods

It's not that Neck of the Woods is any kind of 'holy crap--WOW' album, but it is Silversun do what they do best. If they just put out one, long record and strung all their songs together, you wouldn't know the difference. But with music that awesome, it's just nice to know there's more of it.

Leona O'Hanlon

R U mine - Arctic Monkeys

Can I say a song has sex appeal? If so then this is it. Edgy, raw and down right dirty! Leaves me wanting more......



It's Time - Imagine Dragons

This song inspires me-the lyrics have so much meaning and relevance in my life. It's a beautiful song. This band are one of the best around at the moment and don't get the coverage they deserve.

It's time to begin, isn't it?
I get a little bit bigger, but then,
I'll admit, I'm just the same as I was
Now don't you understand
That I'm never changing who I am?

Cisa Batista

Imagine Fado, Rock, South America, Africa and Westerns all in the same bowl (gotta love the similarities between music and cuisine...)! That's Dead Combo and their last album released in the end of 2011 but definitely a must listen through this year now that they are starting their tour, it's made in Portugal! ;)

Scarlet Bowdit (Litteken)

I thought it would be near impossible to pick only two songs to represent 2012 so far and decided to go with my first instinct. After a quick consultation with my trusty Last.fm though, I discovered these are actually my 2 most played anyway! Not so tough after all...

Purity Ring - Fineshrine

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/45677714]

The third single from the debut album 'Shrines' was officially released last month but has been doing the blog rounds for a while now. At first listen the track is upbeat with a haunting melody but on closer inspection, the lyrics are the Purity Ring we're used to; weird and just a little gruesome!

I'm seriously looking forward to seeing these guys in November.




Daughter - Youth

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/44774110]

Yes, I know it's actually from 2011 but this little gem has seen a lot of my 2012. This track is beautiful. From it's simple beginning it builds and builds until I feel like the knot in my stomach can't take much more, then it breaks and the focus is back on the heart wrenching lyrics and the delicate, dreamy vocal.

If you haven't already, check out their EP 'The Wild Youth', you won't be disappointed.