Fredrik updates and mp3s!

Ny new favorite song at the moment is "White on White" by Fredrik, from their EP that they released in November - I know it's not all that new but I guess I'm just in the mood for chill, beautiful music with a little dramatic flare lately. Granted, I've always loved Fredrik and they create such amazingly rich, layered songs. But this one is at least tied with Na Na Ni, which is on my top songs of all time list, and it grows on me with every listen. It's really very calming and I find myself being completely absorbed in the song and zoning out everything else - listening to it is almost like a meditation.

Also playing on repeat is their newest single ("Rites of Spring," which is more dramatic than "White on White") from their recent album, Flora, which came out in May and I meant to post this earlier because they played a rare show in NYC last night in support of the album (one of the many things that makes me so wish I still lived in NYC...), but lo and behold I was busy driving home from Bonnaroo (woo!) and then recovering from Bonnaroo (oy). You can actually listen to/watch the whole album on YouTube. Anyway, if you caught the show last night, I'm jealous. Really really jealous. I need to find a way to get them to DC.

White on White [mp3] - ( Amazon / iTunes )

Rites of Spring [mp3] - ( Amazon / iTunes )

Honorable Mentions of 2010

Here's the albums that we felt were worthy of recognition but just didn't quite make our Best Albums. Stay tuned tomorrow for our Artist to Watch in 2011 list!

note: mp3s are no longer available as of 1/20, but you can still listen to them on our hype page.

Villagers - Becoming a Jackal
Lise was enthralled the first time she heard Irish-bred Conor O'Brien aka Villagers in June of last year, calling this debut album comprised "enriched numbers filled with instrumentation, wind-whipped into guitar-strafed sensations that are remarkably expansive yet intimate." Still, this album doesn't mount as high in style as others, but lays enough to reason that Villagers is well on its way to great albums to come.
Becoming a Jackal [mp3] (Amazon / iTunes)

Ellie Goulding - Lights
Although Ellie Goulding's Lights album has yet to officially hit the US, we state-side have gotten a good glimpse via An Introduction to Ellie Goulding. As one of our Artists to watch for in 2010, Ellie has done quite well for herself this year, topping the BBC Sound of 2010 poll,winning the Critics Choice Award at the 2010 BRIT Awards, landing no. 1 on the UK albums chart and having her lovely cover of Elton John's "Your Song" place as the 30th best selling single of the year. With trembling vocals that seem delicate but are surprisingly elastic, shiny Starsmith pop production, catchy hooks and the power of the UK's adoration, this album is worth the notice.
Under the Sheets[mp3] (Amazon / iTunes)

Sleigh Bells - Treats
No one can deny this album's infectious loudness by the grungy noise pop duo of Sleigh Bells, however, it is often over-fuzzed to the point of wondering why they even bother to use lyrics instead of meaningless babble ("Crown On The Ground," "Infinity Guitars"). Few stellar and clearer pop tracks such as "Rill Rill" and "Kids" and the superb infusion of hip hop beats (thanks, M.I.A.) give it enough oompf to place on our lists, with "Rill Rill" being one of our favorite singles of the year.
Rill Rill [mp3] (Amazon / iTunes)

James Yuill - Movement in a Storm
Some have said he's a genius, others have said he's inspired the folktronica generation, whatever that means. Keith just says he's amazing. His debut Turning Water For Air was a massively under-appreciated electro folk gem and he managed to follow it with a more accomplished album this year (although the US has yet to acquire it). Just amazing.
On Your Own [mp3] (Amazon)

Marina & the Diamonds - The Family Jewels
Marina is a New Wave Indie Pop diva who sings with the confidence of Kate Bush and the vigor of Florence and the Machine. Also listed as one of our Artists to Watch in 2010, Marina was runner-up in BBC Sound of 2010, won Best UK and Irish Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards and was featured on Vogue UK.com throughout November as their famous blogging fashionista. Although her albums has clear standout tracks such as "Mowgli's Road," "Oh No!," and the introduction-friendly "I Am Not A Robot," some find the mesh of 80's "Rio"-esque groove in "The Outsider" to be oddly placed and the overall album lacking total cohesiveness and strength. Still, it's clear that Marina and the Diamonds aren't going anywhere and have set their place amongst the new up and coming sensations of the decade.
I Am Not A Robot [mp3] (Amazon / iTunes)

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Arcade Fire broke down imaginative barriers this year with the release of their revolutionary interactive music video (best used on Google Chrome) for their song "We Used To Wait." Although none of the tracks reach the epic dramatic levels of 2004 Funerals' "Wake Up," it is still a wondrous compilation of well-constructed melodies, spacious-feeling guitars and anthem-laden lyrics.
We Used To Wait [mp3] (Amazon / iTunes)

Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
As expected, the Gorillaz released another solid album of future-pop marked by an even more illustrious group of collaborators (this time around: Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, and members of the Clash, among others). Although this one's foregone the marquee superstar producer-of-the-moment, as head Gorilla Damon Albarn's produced much of the album himself. As the title suggests, things have gotten a bit more synthetic, but the electronics are deftly juxtaposed with the soul of Bobby Womack and the string of sinfonia ViVA. The result is dark and melancholy with a glittery sheen. And quite good, even if, as usual, it runs a bit long. (And now, as a holiday treat, Gorillaz have gone and released another album, The Fall, recorded entirely on the iPad. Enjoy that as well.)
Rhinestone Eyes [mp3] (Amazon / iTunes)

Andrew Belle - The Ladder

This simultaneously melancholy yet plucky debut album quickly set Andrew Belle apart from other male singer-songwriters with his well-written, thoughtful songs, warm voice and rich orchestration. Overall, a beautiful album.
Static Waves ft. Katie Herzig [mp3] - ( Amazon / iTunes )

Emanuel and the Fear - Listen
While a little heavy-handed at times (there's something a little hypocritical-sounding about a white guy who went to NYU, one of the most expensive schools in the country, singing lyrics like "but the gringo concerned only if the boy has washed his hands"), but his attempt to get people to really think about the world we live in and provoke social change is admirable, and the music that Emanuel and his 11-piece orchestra make is catchy, rockin' and highly enjoyable. And, in their defense, some of the lyrics are actually quite insightful.
Dear Friend [mp3] - ( Amazon / iTunes )

Fredrik - Trilogi
This album twists and turns with layers upon layers of haunting instrumentation that builds and subsides like waves, as seems to be Fredrik's style. This album was actually a trilogy of EPs that Fredrik created long ago, and it is certainly a bit darker than their previous album, but, as is always the case with Fredrik, the magnificent layers of each song reward multiple listens and makes the album grow on you with every play. They also came out with a vinyl-only 3-song EP this year that is quite wonderful.
Locked in the Basement [mp3] - ( Amazon / iTunes )

Glasser - Ring
This album is epically spacious in sound, swirling with slightly revered vocals on top of exotic instruments and infused with a swish of electronica. The result is something tribal, dream pop and quenching, seemingly taking you away to a different world. It twinkles in a way that never gets tiring or old, yet due to its dreamy nature, there are few tracks that immediately grab, meaning that this may go under-appreciated by the main masses.
Home [mp3] ( Amazon / iTunes )


Blood Red Shoes - Fire Like This
This is party rock at it's best - almost every song at a frenzied tempo with epic vocals, screaming guitars and thumping bass lines that you can't help but jump up and down to. Their single, Light it Up, is particularly catchy and fun to yell along with. All in all, a really fun album.
Light it Up [mp3] - ( Amazon / iTunes )

Fredrik - Trilogi

When Fredrik was still but a fledgling sextet, they recorded and self-released three very limited edition EPs. Now, after the success of their first full-length album, Na Na Ni, they are releasing the EPs as one full-length album, Trilogi. Trilogi is indeed a little darker than its predecessor, but the album is still quietly experimental and full of beautiful, understated drama, much like Na Na Ni. In fact, it's so understated that I think this album will take a little warming up to for many people. It definitely takes multiple listens to fully appreciate the intricate layers that Fredrik is so skilled at crafting.

Locked in the Basement [mp3] - (iTunes)

Artists to Watch in 2010

For the last of our lists this year, we have artists that have shown promise and/or generated buzz, and that we're expecting to see interesting things from in the year to come. So, just in time for the New Year, we present you with "Artists to Watch in 2010":


Ellie Goulding
21-year-old Ellie Goulding has already been chosen as one of the 15 best rising music stars on BBC's Sound of 2010 list. She's been generating tons of buzz over the last few months, and with an electro-pop sugary sound, musicians like Little Boots and Marina and the Diamonds (more about her below) are often mentioned alongside her. Her first single "Under the Sheets" was released a couple of months ago and her debut set to release in March, so, like we've said before, expect this one to hit big.

Under the Sheets [mp3] - (no online purchase available in US)

Marina and the Diamonds

"I Am Not A Robot" was one of Lise's tracks-on-repeat this last summer, and like Ellie above, Marina and the Diamonds have also made BBC's Sound of 2010 list. People love her for her don't-care-what-others-think attitude and robust, thickly vibrato-ridden voice, but Lise is still waiting to be impressed with a live performance, although perhaps that will change in this upcoming year. Until then, you should at least check her out if you are unfamiliar, cause there is no doubt you will be hearing more about her in 2010.

I Am Not A Robot [mp3] - (no online purchase available)

Heathers
This Irish twin girl duo, named after the infamous '80s movie starring Winona Ryder, is kind of like Tegan & Sara 2.0, but more folky perhaps. They're how I imagine Tegan and Sara were when they were just starting out - talented and adorable, keeping things simple but lovely, with rocking acoustic guitar and awesome vocal harmonies. It sounds like things are starting to pick up for them in Ireland and we're hoping that they'll pick up for them here in the US too, so that they'll come back stateside for a tour again soon.

Veronica [mp3] - (iTunes)

Drink Up Buttercup

Em first saw Drink Up Buttercup by chance back in May, instantly loving them, and has watched their audience grow and expand at shows in NYC in August and November. They are worth seeing again and again live because they have such great energy as they bang and plang and clang on everything from your typical keyboards and guitars to the less typical garbage can tops, tool boxes and plastic maracas. Their EP is superb and hopefully we can expect a full-length album from them in 2010.
Sosey Dosey [mp3] - (iTunes)

Pattern is Movement
Much to our surprise, these two lumberjack-looking guys make the most elaborate, fanciful, delightful and downright bizarre music we've possibly ever heard. It certainly wasn't what Em was expecting when they opened for St. Vincent earlier this year, but they ended up blowing her away and we can't wait to hear more from the Philadelphia duo.

Jenny Ono [mp3] - (iTunes)

Local Natives

One of LA's top indie acts that are ready to break out in a big way, all 4-part harmonies and pounding toms. They're already popular overseas, having toured the UK and Europe in 2009, and they've just been signed to NY label Frenchkiss Records (home of The Antlers, Passion Pit, The Dodos, etc.) They played a soldout show at the Echo the other night - their last US show until the domestic release of Gorilla Manor (February 5) - and any Angelenos who made it out will be lucky enough to say they were there first.

Camera Talk [mp3] - (Amazon)

Marching Band
Unlike a lot of the Scandinavian music we receive here at GFP, this isn't dark, experimental, or haunting. Marching Band's music is for the most part poppy, pretty and highly enjoyable. It will definitely leave your head bopping and your toe tapping, and since a lot of amazing stuff is coming out of Scandinavia right now, I think we can expect to see them fair well here in the US.

Gorgeous Behavior [mp3] - (iTunes)

Avi Buffalo

One of our writers, Diana, has been into Avi Buffalo for a little over a year now and we can't wait to see what SubPop does for them in 2010. Seeing Avi play his Fender Jaguar will make you envious that you're not 19 years old, winning folks over with a high falsetto and lines like, "you are tiny and your lips are like little pieces of bacon."
What's In It For? [mp3] - (iTunes)

Fredrik
Their album Na Na Ni was on our Best Albums of 2008, and their album Trilogi was supposed to come out this year, but has been pushed back to January of 2010. So keep your eye out for that. The one track they've released from it is even more haunting, dark and stunning than the highly experimental Na Na Ni, and we've heard that the rest of Trilogi is supposed to follow suit.

Trilogi [mp3] - (iTunes)

Castledoor

We still don't know why this band isn't signed. Their debut Shouting At Mountains was quite solid, and the 3 shows Diana attended of their June residency at Spaceland were easily the best shows she's seen this whole year. Nate Cole has all the charisma a frontman needs and more, and the songs are just an awesome mix of blues, rock, and pop. They've been going strong in the LA scene for a couple years now, so we have my fingers crossed that 2010 will be their year.
Skipping Stepping Stones [mp3] - (iTunes)

tUnE-YaRdS
tUnE-YaRdS, aka Merrill Garbus is incredibly intriguing to say the least. Her unique rhythms, complicated music and full voice make for an interesting listen. However, her debut album, Bird Brains, was made very much DIY-style, and while she certainly does quite well with very little, we would love to hear what she can do with some real production value behind her. Hopefully we will get the chance considering how much buzz she has gotten this year.

News [mp3] - (iTunes)

Surfer Blood

Their debut album Astro Coast is dropping January 2010, and having listened to a couple of the tracks, we wager that it'll probably take a few months for news to properly circulate about this band. Surfer Blood has somehow managed to encompass that guilty pleasure of 90's pop-rock sound of Weezer and Keane and structure it into a sophisticated-yet-carefree indie rock throwback with added fuzzy flair for the upcoming decade.
Floating Vibes [mp3] - (iTunes)

Gamble House
One of Diana's bandmates introduced her to Gamble House a couple months ago, and she recommends them to anyone who is a fan of pre-Veckatimest Grizzly Bear. This year they self-released an album of low-key indie/folk-ish music that goes beyond the standard vocals/guitar M.O., incorporating banjo, bells, keyboards and other little flourishes that reflect the band's jazz background. Definitely worth checking out.

Central Park [mp3] - (no online purchase available)

Phantogram

For a duo that has yet to come out with a full-length album, Phantogram sure has a pretty big following. A bit reminiscent of Blonde Redhead, their electro-dance-rock certainly will get you moving. They're great live and we look forward to hearing what they come out with in the future.
When I'm Small [mp3] - (iTunes)


Ravens & Chimes
So they were on our list of Artists to Watch for 2009 last year, but unfortunately they didn't end up coming out with any new stuff this past year. However, it is confirmed that they will be coming out with an album in 2010, so we are putting them on the list again because we love them that much. Hopefully, after going through some major member changes this year (only two of the people in this picture are still in the band but we can't find any more recent ones...), next year will be a successful one for them. Here's one of the songs off their upcoming 2010 album.

Hearts of Palm [mp3] - (iTunes)

Fredrik to release new album

One of my favorite international discoveries from last year was Sweden's Fredrik, whose album Na Na Ni really blew me away and made it to our top albums of 2008 lists. Lucky for me (and for you lovely readers), they're coming out with another album this year, Trilogi, on November 17th. Originally three separate EPs, they've been combined to form this album, which is apparently much darker than Na Na Ni but in listening to the one track that they've released to the world so far, I'm very much looking forward to the album.

Tracklist:

01 vinterbarn
02 milo
03 holm
04 den sista fabriken
05 vanmyren
06 ava
07 flax
08 under vattenverket
09 ner
10 tretusen violer
11 viskra
12 locked in the basement [mp3]
13 omberg

Best Debut Albums of 2008

It's that time of year again - you know, the time of year we all get nostalgic and think how quickly time has passed. The time of year we look back at all the things we've done and, more importantly, all the great music we've heard. All the new artists we've discovered. All the wonderful shows we've attended. So for the next few days, we here at Guilt Free Pleasures (Lise and Em) will be doing our "best of 2008" lists, in no particular order, starting today with debuts...

Best Debut Albums of 2008

The Ting Tings - We Started Nothing
With unforgettably catchy dance hits that have been the staple of every club and party we've been to this year, this album is definitely one of our favorites and it's hard to believe that anyone ever held a dance party before The Ting Tings existed. Great to shout along with and even the worst dancers can throw their bodies around to these rockin' dance beats.
Shut Up and Let Me Go [mp3] - (iTunes)

Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line

While you can tell that Ra Ra Riot has a variety of influences, they also don't sound exactly the same as anything. We haven't heard a single person that we've introduced to Ra Ra Riot say they don't like them because Ra Ra Riot has an expansive talent and diverse repertoire that makes them universally appealing, as well as the distinctiveness and character that makes everyone who listens to them feel like they've stumbled upon something special.

Suspended In Gaffa [mp3] - (iTunes)

Lady GaGa - The Fame

Another great dance album, and does anybody else feel like maybe it's a little nostalgic for the '90s? (one of our favorite musical decades over here at Guilt Free Pleasures by the way). But Beautiful, Dirty, Rich is a good enough track on its own to make this album a "best of 2008" contender, and there were a few other fabulous tracks like the hit Just Dance and the title track, The Fame that pushed it into the winners' circle.

Beautiful, Dirty, Rich [mp3] - (iTunes)

Fredrik - Na Na Ni

Swedish band Fredrik brings us a unique and calming debut album. I'm pretty sure this album may actually lower your blood pressure... They're a little more experimental than most of the stuff on our Best Of lists, but the unconventional beauty of their music is part of what we love about them. Though there is also a simplicity to much of their music. Leave it to the Scandinavians to be innovative and captivating, taking the basics that seem so ordinary and common and experimenting with them until they are shiny, new and pleasing to the ears.

Black Fur [mp3] - (iTunes)

Adele- 19
Already basking in the glow of 4 Grammy nominations this year, 19 was certainly an impressive debut album from the young (she's 20 now) and soulful Adele Adkins. The comparisons ranged from Amy Winehouse to Etta James to "Joss Stone without the cigarettes," and slowly but surely over the year Adele became her own entity and her music has infiltrated the 2008 music scene. With another album planned to record early next year, we'll be seeing much more of this inspiring belting songstress.
Chasing Pavements [mp3] - (iTunes)

Fleet Foxes- Fleet Foxes

This Seattle-based group wowed us all with a stellar performance on their self-titled debut album, and they filled our ears and hearts with harmonious melodies plucked from the psychedelic folk-rock atmosphere. Google "Fleet Foxes review" and we promise you that all you'll find is a gushfest of praise for this album. Fresh and rustic, Fleet Foxes is among plenty of "Best of 2008" lists in the blogosphere, and for good reason. If you haven't picked up this album, we suggest you use one of those giftcards you got for the holidays and get it.

White Winter Hymnal [mp3] - (iTunes)

Priscilla Ahn - A Good Day
After producing a promising self-entitled demo in 2007, this velvety-smooth singer finally released her official debut album in 2008 and was met with much rejoicing from female singer-songwriter fans all over the world. Her singing is sweetly soft and crystal clear, and her songs are wonderous pop-folk reflections that ease the soul. A short stint on the infamous Hotel Cafe Tour and being featured on major network shows like Grey's Anatomy, we consider A Good Day to be one of those best still relatively-unknown concrete works that are slowly trickling down into mainstream simply because the talent is there and the quality is high.
Dream [mp3] - (iTunes)

Kaiser Cartel -March Fourth

Possibly Lise's most obsessed-about album of the entire year, KaiserCartel brought the world a gorgeous debut album of acoustic guitar-and-drum numbers to lift the musical spirit. Delicately intricate and perfectly genuine, this humble album compliments and completes any music collection. The pairing of Courtney Kaiser and Benjamin Cartel talent's brings forth a musical genre we'd like to call "simply magical." The album has a life of its own, breeding good feelings and chill toe-tapping melodies, especially in songs like Season Song, Okay, Oh No and Dog Stars.

Okay [mp3] - (iTunes)

Lykke Li- Youth Novels
Straight from Sweden, this sweet songbird gave us *the* electronica-synth-pop album of the year with her debut Youth Novels. It's almost as if a robot and an already fantastic album had a baby, the songs are so electro-fied. Strong and ready to take on the world, Lykke Li pumps out the 80's-inspired beats that make you wanna groove while containing a billion catchy hooks to get stuck in your head. The buzz for this one is well deserved and the album brilliant enough to make our list this year.
I'm Good, I'm Gone [mp3] - (iTunes)

She & Him - Volume One

You're guaranteed the audiences that intrigue will bring when a celebrity turns to music and puts out their first album. After hearing Zooey Deschanel's crooning voice on Elf, M. Ward contacted her and found that she had already created a couple demos. He listened, fell in love with what he heard, and She & Him was born. Consisting of joyful pseudo-pop songs with a vintage flair, this album is perfect for those summer drives about the coast with the windows down and hair flyin the in wind. The album is a bit of a grab-bag, with each song reminiscent of a slightly different era and genre, but with a overall cohesive purpose, the album succeeds.

Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? [mp3] - (iTunes)

Jukebox The Ghost - Let Live and Let Ghosts

This zany piano-powered rock is somewhere between Queen and Ben Folds. A very theatrical, playful, fun album overall, piano-based music also earns albums a lot of bonus points from us here at GFP and classically trained pianist Ben Thornewill has the kind of skills that make us swoon.

Hold It In [mp3] - (iTunes)

Frances - All The While

Hailing from Em's hometown of Brooklyn, Frances is one of her favorite new discoveries this year. The unique 6-piece band is actually rather difficult to describe... They're a little playful, a little melancholy, a little catchy, etc. They have a lovely, full sound and a knack for interesting rhythms. And while our feelings about them are a little too guttural to really describe, we can definitely say that their music is both beautiful and unique. Some of it is downright spell-binding.

Locket [mp3] - (iTunes)

Best Solo Debut of 2008

Ben Sollee - Learning How To Bend
Formally part of the Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet, Ben Sollee finally decided to take his beautiful cello and homespun voice and make an album of his own. In 2007 he was named one of NPR's "Top Ten Unknown Artist of the Year." In this remarkable debut, the man beatboxes his cello, performs a beautiful musical dance betwixt jazz and folk-pop, and brings forth one of the most played songs since Obama was elected (i.e. A Change Is Gonna Come). Soulful and honest, this albums hits an absolute perfectly-pitched note.
A Change Is Gonna Come [mp3] - (iTunes)

Amanda Palmer - Who Killed Amanda Palmer?

One half of The Dresden Dolls, Amanda Palmer came out with her first solo album this year. Produced by Ben Folds and with awesome guest spots by him and St. Vincent, among others, this album is a strong solo debut, though I will admit not that much of a departure from The Dresden Dolls. A little bit darker perhaps, and at times so dark and raw with emotion that it's hard to listen to without getting a little emotional yourself.

Astronaut: A Short History Of Nearly Nothing [mp3] - (iTunes)