We've told you in past years to watch out for Florence and the Machine, Marina and the Diamonds, Ellie Goulding, Surfer Blood, Local Natives and Phantogram, so with much excitement we're proud to give you our list of Artists to Watch for in 2011.
Jessie J
Hands down the British are the most accomplished at sorting out the best new musicians by way of the BBC Sound of 2011, for which Jessie J has been nominated, and the Critics Choice BRIT Award, which Jessie J has just won. Jessie J started as a songwriter, writing hits for the likes of Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, Christina Aguilera, Chris Brown and Alicia Keys. Her destructively catchy single "Dude It Like A Dude" (youtube), a song which makes more sense when you learn she's a lesbian, was released in November and has already spread like wildfire. However, I chose to post the above video to display just how seriously talented this girl is. There's no vocal editing or unnecessary autotune there, that's her just singing in her bedroom, and it's amazing. She's got the vocals of Christina Aguilera and Kelly Clarkson combined with the come-at-me-bro attitude of Nicki Minaj. Don't be surprised if she becomes unstoppable in 2011.
The Vaccines
The Vaccines have also made a name for themselves across the pond, also earning a spot on BBC's Sound of 2011 and gaining plenty of attention for their 60's-esque light grunge alternative rock. In a bit of a sounds-like-someone-sold-their-soul story, the band formed in June 2010, released a demo weeks later, had it awarded "Hottest Record in the World" by Zane Lowe by August, played one gig in Leicester and then set off for their first UK tour, ending in their first London performance which sold out (they had to turn 200 people away) and played to an audience which included Alex Kapranos (lead singer of Franz Ferdinand), Marcus Mumford (Mumford & Sons) and Clash. While Lise is unsure what they'd really sound like if they lowered the reverb a bit, there's no doubt they have the power of supreme hype behind them, and they haven't even released a record yet.
Foster the People
Foster The People is an unsigned LA-based indie-pop band who formed in 2009 and got a bump in popularity after some SXSW performances and Hype Machine love this year. They are set on finishing their record and releasing their first three singles on iTunes later this month before going on California/Australia tour (apparently Australia's ahead of the pack). If their record holds just a few tracks as sweetly crafted as the sensation above, no doubt you'll be hearing them on the radio and reading about them on 2011's Best Albums lists.
Sky Ferreira
In 2007, at the age of 15, missing-Olsen Sky Ferreira went ahead and promoted herself at clubs in LA, which must've done something because two years later she was signed to Parlophone. Now, after nearly four years of work and two relatively successful singles, Sky Ferreira will release her debut album next week. Although this one could be a flash in the pan, when you start off with this much glitter, production and money-backing early on in your career, there's always some way of bouncing back via home acoustic roots method if things don't catch on. Only time will tell how this one ends up.
Tennis
Tennis is comprised of husband-and-wife duo Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore. In case you haven't heard the story, one day the two decided to leave their Denver town and travel around the world by sailboat for eight months. When they returned, they poked around with the idea of creating an indie rock band and sing all about their adventures, and in the end said, "why not?" 2010 saw a release of a couple of these tracks, with "Marathon" being their greatest hit on the internet (that video above has over 100,000 views). They still need to put together more songs before setting a full release date, but if they can keep the adoration they've gotten this far, they'll be singing their indie pop sea stories for us all throughout 2011.
Lord Huron
Tropical Folk Pop. That's right, we said Tropical Folk Pop. Considering that many of those who remember watching Lion King in the theater are now twenty-something hipsters, this is one of the most brilliant combination we can think of. Ben Schneider, aka Lord Huron, self-released two EPs this year containing the most simply lush and joy-expelling tracks we've come across in a long while. With rhythms shifting, light and playful, and arpeggios swarming like fireflies, Lord Huron's music rises majestically and takes you into a wispy dream world of magic. The boy - er, Lord- is making four small stops to play live alongside Tennis (above) this year, and given the complexity of his instrumentation, everyone is eager to find out what that'll be like. We can't wait for a full length which will hopefully see the light of day in 2011, but until then, we'll be keeping our ears open for more Simba-inspired music.
Willow Smith
Ugh, we hate ourselves, but we have to put ten-year old Willow Smith on this list. Daughter of Hollywood stars Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, Willow released her first whiplash-inducing single in September of 2010 and then got signed by Jay-Z's label after everyone on the internet became obsessed with the hypnotic and sassy track. She performed her signature song on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest (it hurt to type that) and although her second leaked song "Rockstar" failed to make the same splash as "Whip My Hair," no doubt eyes will be on this little one to see what she can bring in 2011.
Warpaint
The blogsphere just loves Warpaint right now. Another LA group, this four-women experimental art rock group released their first full length The Fool in October and by virtue of momentous hype Lise can't even remember what she thought of them the first time she heard them. All new-ness of experiencing Warpaint has been moved to "Oh yeah, that track's by Warpaint" which must mean something good for the band that formed in 2004.
Showing posts with label Top Lists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Top Lists. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
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)
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)
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 )
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 )
note: mp3s are no longer available as of 1/20, but you can still listen to them on our hype page.
Villagers - Becoming a JackalLise 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 - LightsAlthough 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 - TreatsNo 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)
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 JewelsMarina 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 BeachAs 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
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 )
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 )
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 - RingThis 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 )Monday, January 3, 2011
Best Albums of 2010
As you might be able to tell by our lack of posting, we were hard at work over the holidays putting together our end of the year lists. Today is the first of three lists - our Best Albums of 2010 list. As per usual, this is simply a list comprised of albums we've listened to this year and adored. We don’t post any album that we haven’t given solid ears to; likewise we don't give in to hype that we feel undeserved. In no particular order, we present them to you:
note: mp3s are no longer available as of 1/20, but you can still listen to them on our hype page.
Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
Although Sigh No More was released in the UK in 2009, we state-side didn't get it until February of 2010. Earning two Grammy nominations, this folk rock venture featured banjo, dramatic fiddles, honest lyrics, gritty southern harmony (however English they are), raw acoustic guitar, intelligent songwriting and just enough twang to add extra charm. Big singles included "Little Lion Man," "Awake My Soul" and "White Blank Page," although each track on the album crooned a heartfelt and sincere story, whether it be about love or learning or both, brilliantly woven in spectacular musicianship.
Little Lion Man [mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )
Vampire Weekend - Contra
Can you belive that this was Vampire Weekend's second album? Contra was released so early in 2010 and gained such acceptance and radio play that it's easy to assume that it's been around for years. 2010 was "Horchata" and "Cousins" blasting on the radio, with the latter being covered by near every musician on the planet, most notably by the above Mumford & Sons. The energy and catchiness of rock-pop tracks helped this album sell more than 400,000 copies and truly set Vampire Weekend as a well known and established band.
Cousins [mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )
Janelle Monae - The ArchAndroid
Upon first listen to Monae's most popular and catchy single, "Tightrope," it was clear that Monae had the talent to make it in the industry. Watching her videos and live performances with her confidence and often wacky personality ensured our interest. Another great song (and music video), "Cold War," soon followed, and people began to give the album a proper listen and realize that the girl refuses to keep to one genre. As we've stated previously, The ArchAndroid is an epic 18 tracks featuring all kinds of genres from R&B to classical to hair metal to old timey show tunes and much much more. It's innovative, assured and downright interesting in all the right ways.
Tightrope [mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )
J Roddy Walston and the Business - J Roddy Walston and the Business
Some call it Rock n' Roll, some call it reborn Blues Rock, but whatever you think of this album by J Roddy Walston and the Business, you've got to admit the energy it high, the songs are legendary and every last member of this band plays their heart out. Few tracks sound straight from Queen ("Full Growing Man") while other we're certain Elvis would've loved to perform ("Don't Break the Needle"). When Lise was introduced to them in August, she said, "This is the kind of album that you want to turn up to 11 and blast out the windows, it's just that good."
Don't Break the Needle [mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )
Jeremy Messersmith - The Reluctant Graveyard
Smart indie pop done right by a Minneapolis troubadour. Lise loved this album, finding each track worth multiple listens just to appreciate all the macabre substance packed within. Messersmith explores the spectrum of the enigmatic subject of death with unbelievable range and focus, and even though more than half of this record is bright and melodic, the dark undertone can't be missed (like in "Deathbed Salesman" where the song choruses living life to the fullest and finding someone to love all the while selling you your coffin extrinsically during the verses.) Messersmith's songwriting has evolved skillfully, gaining comparisons to the Beatles and the Beach Boys and shaping an album full of upbeat songs with 60's flair into something brilliant.
Organ Donor [mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )
The Roots - How I Got Over
The Roots reliably put out quality music (and put on a spectacular live show), but they haven't released an album of this caliber in a good while, if ever. How I Got Over is incredibly tight and economical, with a consistent groove and a cohesive, cool-but-contemplative vibe that hits hard in a very chilled out fashion. Seamlessly woven in are stellar reworkings of tracks by Monsters of Folk and Joanna Newsom. Two other tracks tack quality samples to new heights: John Legend's "Again" becomes "Doin' It Again," and Major Lazer's silly auto-tuned "Baby" becomes "bonus" banger "Hustla," which has been consistently stuck in Ant's head for going on six months now.
The Day [mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )
Two Door Cinema Club - Tourist History
Back in November of 2009, Keith wrote of TDCC, "Their debut album should be released in Feb 2010, if it's anywhere near as good as their EP, Four Words To Stand On, then we're in for a treat." He wasn't wrong. It's an almost faultless indie pop record, 10 tracks, 33 minutes. Done.
What You Know [mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )
Kayne West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Watching the MTV Video Music Awards is a depressing ritual, but suffering through this year's string of carefully presented mini pop spectacles was well worth it for the jarring contrast of the evening's finale - the debut of Kanye West's "toast for the douchebags," "Runaway." It was dark, funny, awkward, frank, self-indulgent, and, on top of all that, a serious artistic achievement. And the album as a whole is just the same. It's not his best album (that title still belongs to Late Registration in Ant's opinion), but it's a fully realized musical embodiment of Kanye West at this moment, and where he's trying to take hip hop, and music in general. It's his beautiful, dark, twisted fantasy, and he's sharing it with all of us. We should count ourselves lucky.
Lost in the World/Who Will Survive in America [mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )
Robyn - Body Talk
Long before the beloved Swedes of Refused, Bergman, or sexiest hockey player alive Henrik Lundqvist entered Matt's life, he was all of ten years old when Robyn's tracks were blowing up American pop charts and favorite Lori Beth Denberg vehicle All That. Fourteen years later, she still manages to blow him away. To Matt, saying that Body Talk is anything other than the most mature pop tour de force he has every listened to is blasphemy. He had two "I'll always remember where I was when I first heard ___" song moments this year because of this album. The first was "Fembot," thinking it was the most progressive pop song he had heard in quite some time, until he came across "Dancing On My Own." Matt wanted to turn to someone and say "Robyn is Here...to stay!" That was a thing he wanted to do. A trilogy of memorable albums in one year. Lost time- made up for. Thanks, Robyn. Throbyn.
Dancing On My Own [mp3] ( Amazon/ iTunes)
Beach House - Teen Dream
Music that'll instantly take all your negative energy away and entrance you into a calm slumber. Beautiful, serene and crashing reverbed electric guitar rifts with dreamy vocals provided by Victoria Legrand, this album was the epitome of simply lovely atmospheric and lullaby listening.
Zebra[mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )
Yeasayer - Odd Blood
Yeasayer's blissful, exultant, shimmering pop music (and accompanying trippy videos) when straight for Ant's heart earlier this year. Like many great artists, their songwriting at the foundation is fairly traditional. Their lyrics are rarely anything special. The magic is in an experimental yet soulful presentation, consisting of pounding beats, electronics and amazing vocal melodies and harmonies. The group reaches great heights with both bouncers ("Ambling Alp" and "O.N.E.") and devotional ballads ("Madder Red" and "I Remember"). Ant's New Year's resolution is to catch them live.
O.N.E. [mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )
Drink Up Buttercup - Born and Thrown on a Hook
This ruckus album full of banging percussion, wailing vocals, and raspy guitars is reminiscent of Sargent Pepper, if Sargent Pepper were at a creepy nightmarish circus. Being one of our bands to watch for 2010 last year, and having already built up a reputation for awesome performances, this was the Philadelphia band's debut album, and it showcases their unique style perfectly.
Sosey Dosey [mp3] - ( Amazon
/ iTunes )
note: mp3s are no longer available as of 1/20, but you can still listen to them on our hype page.
Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More Although Sigh No More was released in the UK in 2009, we state-side didn't get it until February of 2010. Earning two Grammy nominations, this folk rock venture featured banjo, dramatic fiddles, honest lyrics, gritty southern harmony (however English they are), raw acoustic guitar, intelligent songwriting and just enough twang to add extra charm. Big singles included "Little Lion Man," "Awake My Soul" and "White Blank Page," although each track on the album crooned a heartfelt and sincere story, whether it be about love or learning or both, brilliantly woven in spectacular musicianship.
Little Lion Man [mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )Vampire Weekend - Contra Can you belive that this was Vampire Weekend's second album? Contra was released so early in 2010 and gained such acceptance and radio play that it's easy to assume that it's been around for years. 2010 was "Horchata" and "Cousins" blasting on the radio, with the latter being covered by near every musician on the planet, most notably by the above Mumford & Sons. The energy and catchiness of rock-pop tracks helped this album sell more than 400,000 copies and truly set Vampire Weekend as a well known and established band.
Cousins [mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )Janelle Monae - The ArchAndroidUpon first listen to Monae's most popular and catchy single, "Tightrope," it was clear that Monae had the talent to make it in the industry. Watching her videos and live performances with her confidence and often wacky personality ensured our interest. Another great song (and music video), "Cold War," soon followed, and people began to give the album a proper listen and realize that the girl refuses to keep to one genre. As we've stated previously, The ArchAndroid is an epic 18 tracks featuring all kinds of genres from R&B to classical to hair metal to old timey show tunes and much much more. It's innovative, assured and downright interesting in all the right ways.
Tightrope [mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )J Roddy Walston and the Business - J Roddy Walston and the Business Some call it Rock n' Roll, some call it reborn Blues Rock, but whatever you think of this album by J Roddy Walston and the Business, you've got to admit the energy it high, the songs are legendary and every last member of this band plays their heart out. Few tracks sound straight from Queen ("Full Growing Man") while other we're certain Elvis would've loved to perform ("Don't Break the Needle"). When Lise was introduced to them in August, she said, "This is the kind of album that you want to turn up to 11 and blast out the windows, it's just that good."
Don't Break the Needle [mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )Jeremy Messersmith - The Reluctant Graveyard Smart indie pop done right by a Minneapolis troubadour. Lise loved this album, finding each track worth multiple listens just to appreciate all the macabre substance packed within. Messersmith explores the spectrum of the enigmatic subject of death with unbelievable range and focus, and even though more than half of this record is bright and melodic, the dark undertone can't be missed (like in "Deathbed Salesman" where the song choruses living life to the fullest and finding someone to love all the while selling you your coffin extrinsically during the verses.) Messersmith's songwriting has evolved skillfully, gaining comparisons to the Beatles and the Beach Boys and shaping an album full of upbeat songs with 60's flair into something brilliant.
Organ Donor [mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )
The Roots - How I Got OverThe Roots reliably put out quality music (and put on a spectacular live show), but they haven't released an album of this caliber in a good while, if ever. How I Got Over is incredibly tight and economical, with a consistent groove and a cohesive, cool-but-contemplative vibe that hits hard in a very chilled out fashion. Seamlessly woven in are stellar reworkings of tracks by Monsters of Folk and Joanna Newsom. Two other tracks tack quality samples to new heights: John Legend's "Again" becomes "Doin' It Again," and Major Lazer's silly auto-tuned "Baby" becomes "bonus" banger "Hustla," which has been consistently stuck in Ant's head for going on six months now.
The Day [mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )Two Door Cinema Club - Tourist HistoryBack in November of 2009, Keith wrote of TDCC, "Their debut album should be released in Feb 2010, if it's anywhere near as good as their EP, Four Words To Stand On, then we're in for a treat." He wasn't wrong. It's an almost faultless indie pop record, 10 tracks, 33 minutes. Done.
What You Know [mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )
Kayne West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted FantasyWatching the MTV Video Music Awards is a depressing ritual, but suffering through this year's string of carefully presented mini pop spectacles was well worth it for the jarring contrast of the evening's finale - the debut of Kanye West's "toast for the douchebags," "Runaway." It was dark, funny, awkward, frank, self-indulgent, and, on top of all that, a serious artistic achievement. And the album as a whole is just the same. It's not his best album (that title still belongs to Late Registration in Ant's opinion), but it's a fully realized musical embodiment of Kanye West at this moment, and where he's trying to take hip hop, and music in general. It's his beautiful, dark, twisted fantasy, and he's sharing it with all of us. We should count ourselves lucky.
Lost in the World/Who Will Survive in America [mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )Robyn - Body TalkLong before the beloved Swedes of Refused, Bergman, or sexiest hockey player alive Henrik Lundqvist entered Matt's life, he was all of ten years old when Robyn's tracks were blowing up American pop charts and favorite Lori Beth Denberg vehicle All That. Fourteen years later, she still manages to blow him away. To Matt, saying that Body Talk is anything other than the most mature pop tour de force he has every listened to is blasphemy. He had two "I'll always remember where I was when I first heard ___" song moments this year because of this album. The first was "Fembot," thinking it was the most progressive pop song he had heard in quite some time, until he came across "Dancing On My Own." Matt wanted to turn to someone and say "Robyn is Here...to stay!" That was a thing he wanted to do. A trilogy of memorable albums in one year. Lost time- made up for. Thanks, Robyn. Throbyn.
Dancing On My Own [mp3] ( Amazon/ iTunes)
Beach House - Teen Dream
Music that'll instantly take all your negative energy away and entrance you into a calm slumber. Beautiful, serene and crashing reverbed electric guitar rifts with dreamy vocals provided by Victoria Legrand, this album was the epitome of simply lovely atmospheric and lullaby listening.
Zebra[mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )
Yeasayer - Odd BloodYeasayer's blissful, exultant, shimmering pop music (and accompanying trippy videos) when straight for Ant's heart earlier this year. Like many great artists, their songwriting at the foundation is fairly traditional. Their lyrics are rarely anything special. The magic is in an experimental yet soulful presentation, consisting of pounding beats, electronics and amazing vocal melodies and harmonies. The group reaches great heights with both bouncers ("Ambling Alp" and "O.N.E.") and devotional ballads ("Madder Red" and "I Remember"). Ant's New Year's resolution is to catch them live.
O.N.E. [mp3] ( Amazon
/ iTunes )
Jukebox the Ghost's Sophomore album is just as good as their debut was, expanding on their habit to create songs that are on the one hand, rather silly, but always entertaining and with beautiful, complex instrumentation. They really stand out from other bands. They are not silly for silly's sake - it is no gimmick. This album continues to prove that these guys have real talent.
Schizophrenia [mp3] - ( Amazon
/ iTunes )
Schizophrenia [mp3] - ( Amazon
/ iTunes )Drink Up Buttercup - Born and Thrown on a Hook
This ruckus album full of banging percussion, wailing vocals, and raspy guitars is reminiscent of Sargent Pepper, if Sargent Pepper were at a creepy nightmarish circus. Being one of our bands to watch for 2010 last year, and having already built up a reputation for awesome performances, this was the Philadelphia band's debut album, and it showcases their unique style perfectly.
Sosey Dosey [mp3] - ( Amazon
/ iTunes ) Wednesday, December 30, 2009
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
FredrikTheir 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.
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.
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)
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 & ChimesSo 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.
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