Song of the Day: "Here I Am" by Impossible Bird

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Impossible Bird escaped me. It was not until a lovely reader commented on our facebook page that I was lucky enough to hear this enchanting duo. As much as I try to keep my feelers out there on the local music scene, there are bound to be those I miss out on. But, I am stoked that Impossible Bird is no longer one of those bands I was missing out on. This record, and this song especially is choice. This duo is an uncomplicated force to be reckoned with. Simple beauty does not need complication to stand out.

Please, if you have a favorite band that I have missed. Local (Pacific NW) or otherwise, please let us know here, or on our Facebook page. Although, we hate to admit it, we cannot be all knowing.

"Here I Am" by Impossible Bird

Shit I Like vol 3.

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Here is some more shit I like right now.

1. This Carson Henley song. 
Damn. This song breaks me. How Carson is not the biggest name out there right now leaves me dumbfounded. I know, I'm often early to the party, but it's time to get this Henley hoopla going people.
"Leave This Mess" - Carson Henley


2. Slow Club music videos that don't feature the band at all.  
Have you ever wanted to see what a butter beer binger looks like? Here is your chance.
"Beginners"

This is one of my favorite songs, and videos ever. Ever.
Giving Up On Love"


3. Perks of Being A Wallflower Trailer
I don't think this needs words.


4. Creamy Pesto Gnocchi
I had this for dinner. My last dinner before Weight Watchers officially starts. It was very yummy. But, I am going to be a handsome man soon.

Song of the Night: "Don't Forget Me" by Le Wrens

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I realize I just wrote a song of the day, but by doing so I realized something.

This, what you are reading right now, is our 700th post here at Listologies. Not a number to celebrate, but it is pretty rad/sad to sit back and realize how much time I have probably spent sitting here, putting my shit out there, and actually having you all read it. So, thanks.

To celebrate this mini milestone I am going to share with you the second Le Wrens song that left me physically affected in the past week. Now, the entire Gundersen clan has talent just falling out of them individually  but this Gundersen Grouping comes together is such a beautifully graceful and dynamic way. Le Wrens is like the tide, natural, yet immensely powerful. Craveable heartbreak.  I do not know that I love a band more RIGHT now, then I do here.

 "Don't Forget Me" by Le Wrens

Song of the Day: "Lately (I've Been On My Back)" by BOAT

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Between Stevie and I, we have probably shared this song, or a version of, 7-31 times. It is, and has been one of our favorites to come out of the NW. And, today just seems like a BOAT day. Enjoy.

"Lately (I've Been On My Back)" by BOAT

Song of the Day: "Love is a Mocker" by The BGP

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If you read/watch this site, you will know by now that we have an affinity towards The BGP. We have for a while. And with the sounds they are making now, it is sure to continue in the future. It baffles me, blows my mind even, that The BGP are not the biggest thing on the scene right now. I know they have their fans, count me among them, but, no where near what they deserve. Hopefully with they new songs they are dropping this year, that will all change.

This track, live at The Triple Door, really shows the heart and soul of their sound.

"Love is a Mocker" by The BGP

Song of the Day: "Caleb" by Le Wrens

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I posted this on our Listologies Facebook page late last night. And sometimes I fall in love with a song while half asleep and wake up the next morning, listen, and think, WTF Addi? It's like a really bad musical one night stand. That, however, is not the case with this Le Wrens track. I want to make this song my girlfriend.
Seriously, this song is so beautiful, heartbreaking, and jarringly real feeling. I love it. And this might be my favorite live shoot of the year. Eratosthenes is the bees knees of videographers. Check out all the Ballard Sessions here.

"Caleb" by Le Wrens

Song of the Day: "Daydreaming" by Tess Henley

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Guess who's back bitches?! I'm sorry, that's rude. But I'm damn excited, I finally got the olly olly oxen free from the doctor to remove my stupid wrist brace and return to my normal, blog lovin life.

With that. I am excited to share with you a fantastic little diddy from the overly talented Henley family.

I had the hardest time not posting this one handed in last two weeks, but one handed does not do Tess Henely justice. And I just realized how wrong that sounds. Not gonna change it. This song was sent over by my favorite artists rep who has yet let me down with the sounds she shares.

Tess is working hard and finishing up her new album, and if this song is at all representative of whats to come, it should skyrocket her into stardom. The soundscape is perfectly set up for her right now, and I have little doubt that she will make her mark. Soon, Carson and Tess will take over the world, soul by soul.

"Daydreaming" by Tess Henley

Album of the Day: The Kaleidoscope by Lemolo

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Lemolo released their full length debut today, The Kaleidoscope. And, with one cursory listen. It's airy, clean, and fantastic. I will go into more depth sooner rather than later. But, I thought first I'd share the first (new) song that jumped out at me. Enjoy.

Support local music (or long distance music, for you long distance readers) and pick up this record. Be warned, that this record will be everywhere soon, and rightfully so. Go to the girls Bandcamp page and grab it. Or be left behind.

"Move Me" by Lemolo

Carson Henley's 100 Hour Project Documentary

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Ok ok ok. I know you just saw a post about Carson Henley for the Song of the Day and all, but there is more you MUST know. A few months back I gave you guys a teaser about a project Carson Henley was working on. The 100 Hours Project. A documentary and album that will change his career.

For 100 straight waking hours, he, with the help of a worldclass producer, and a bevy of fantastic musicians (just from watching the trailer, I see Tess Henley & Allen Stone) locked himself away in a studio to write, compose, learn, and record an entire album. Yeah, that's right. An entire record, start to finish, in 100 hours. Seems like a cross between the best and the stupidest idea ever, which I think is the line any true artist needs to learn to walk. Judging from the results, Carson found his sound.

I wrote that back in April after seeing the trailer and hearing the lead single "Fire" and I can't help but feel it's an understatement. Carson didn't just find his sound, he found his soul. This music lives. It breathes, it aches and pains, it loves and breaks. This record is something I was missing.

Here is the full documentary for your enjoyment. If you love music like I do, but have no real clue the heart, energy and commitment that goes into making it, this will be enlightening. It was for me.

"The 100 Hour Project" 

The 100 Hour Project from Brian Nunes on Vimeo.

Song of the Day: "Leave This Mess" by Carson Henley

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There are some songs that will immediately crawl under your skin and set up shop in the form of goosebumps and exaggerated head sways. There are some songs that swell with so much emotion, you can feel the love, honesty, pain and truth all in the first 8 bars. There are very few songs that can do both at once.

Today is 6/30/12, and I am confident in saying that this song will end up in my top 5 songs of the year. Search the blog, you will not see another claim like this one. I do not use my words lightly.

"Leave This Mess" by Carson Henley

Song of the Day: "On Again, Off Again" by Lemolo

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One of my favorite bands is soon going to be one of your favorite bands. It's just that simple.

This is a band that I first found back in 2010 opening up for Wakey!Wakey! at The Sunset Tavern, and I was instantly enamored. I have been singing their praises since, as Band of the Week, SotD, Best Noise In The NW, Best Voices in the NW, and most recently, they were my number 3 most anticipated album of 2012. Clearly, I have been expecting them to make the move from local indie darlings to full blown starlets, and now, with their soon to be relased debut album The Kaleidoscope , they should be prepared to take that leap.

I do have to admit that this is a little hard for me. I am possessive over the bands that I love. My secret bands. And I generally don't share them. But can't think of a band in the northwest right now, that deserves having their music adored more then Lemolo.

"On Again, Off Again" by Lemolo

Song of the Day: "Sophie Sleepless" by Zach Fleury (ft Abby & Noah Gundersen)

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Excuse my language. But Holy Fuckballs, this is beautiful.
I have been a fan of Zach Fleury since I saw him at The Big House in Ballard back in January, reviewed here, and have been waiting for him to have a break out moment. Now, that time is upon us people. If this song/video does not garner him the noise he rightly deserves, then the music world is fucked up. This song, is a soft breeze of fantastic. With the help of Abby and Noah Gundersen, this track has an unbearable ease, like heartache, but craved and cherished.

"Sophie Sleepless" by Zach Fleury (ft Abby & Noah Gundersen)

Song of the Day: "Fire" by Carson Henley

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Every nowandthen, we at Listologies get contacted by management, labels, artist reps and occasional artists themselves asking us to review or share their sound on our site. Most of the time, I let these requests fall to the wayside. Not because I am above it all or anything like that, but because, mostly I don't want to share something that I can't stand behind, and not all the sounds that filter into our inbox are gems. However, I do listen to everything that comes our way, because you just never know. And because of that OCDness, we have a great tune to share with you today.

Earlier this week The Artist Rep from Hey! Listen To This! Music contacted us about a new project that Carson Henley just finished up that kinda blew me away. For 100 straight waking hours, he, with the help of a worldclass producer, and a bevy of fantastic musicians (just from watching the trailer, I see Tess Henley & Allen Stone) locked himself away in a studio to write, compose, learn, and record an entire album. Yeah, that's right. An entire record, start to finish, in 100 hours. Seems like a cross between the best and the stupidest idea ever, which I think is the line any true artist needs to learn to walk. Judging from the results, Carson found his sound.

If you are a NW audiophile like myself, then you no doubt already know and are probably a fan of Carson Henley, as he has been one of the driving forces in the Seattle Soul scene since his 2008 debut album. But, if you are like me, you may feel that he has been slightly in the shadow of his younger sister Tess for the last couple years. But, from the sound that is pouring out of him on the track "Fire" below, I think that shadow is quickly shrinking. But damn! What a talented family.

Below the track, there is a trailer for the Documentary for the 100Hour Project that will be released around the same time as the album. I am stoked for both. Enjoy.

"Fire" by Carson Henley
 Carson Henley - Fire (NEW SINGLE) - 100 HOURS by CarsonHenley

Best Voices In The Northwest

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So, I don't know how many times I can apologize for letting the blog go quiet. I have had some family shite rise up, and I have just been a bit distracted. But last night, as I was failing to fall asleep, I started writing a list in my mind, and it felt therapeutic.

There are very few things in this world that can stop me dead in my tracks like a voice. Whether it be a powerful, beautiful, understated, gruff or quirky. A voice can break me. Here is a quick list of my favorite voices in the NW right now. Normally, I try to get all poetic and long winded, but this time, I am just going to allow the voices to sell you.

1. Galen Disston (of Pickwick)


2. Abby Gundersen I know she is most well known for singing along side of her brother (below), but there is something so pure about Abby's voice that it is impossible to forget. I hold my breath when she sings. 


3. Noah Gundersen 


4. Charity Rose Thielen (of the Head and the Heart) Don't get me wrong here, Josiah and Jonathan both have heartbreakingly fantastic voices, but Charity kills me when she sings. 


5. Tim Wilson (of Ivan & Alyosha)


6. Brandon Ghorley (of The BGP


7. Allen Stone 


8. Meagan Grandall (of Lemolo)


9. Sarah Jickling (of The Oh Wells)


10. Matt Bishop (of Hey Marseilles)


11. Asy (of Smoosh) I know, not really a NW band anymore, as they relocated to Brooklyn or something, but us NW music lovers still claim them as our own.


12. Mychal Goodweather (of Campfire OK)


13. Bryan John Appleby


14. Pete Quirk (of The Cave Singers)


15. Tess Henley

Up and Coming Music List: 2012 Edition

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Inspired by Stevie's Up And Coming Book List, I am going to start the same thing with my music purchased for the year. I found this to be really useful in both 2010 & 2011, that I am now completely reliant on it for 2012.

My favorite blog to write is my year end music review. And it be honest, I start it in January of each year. I start collecting music as soon as possible, and use a smart playlist to amass them all in one place for easy listening and examining.

Below you will see a quick list of the albums I have picked up so far this year (October 2011 - Current).  I will try to update them every month or so. If I have an opinion of the record, will post a quick note, but keep in mind, I may change mine. I realize this list can get exceptionally long by the end of the year, and I appreciate you reading it. Thanks. I hope it serves you in expanding your 2012 music collection.

I have included YouTube links this year. Just click on the name of the artist to hear a sample song from the mentioned album.

Andrew Bird - Break It Yourself
I have been told for years that I need to get into Andrew Bird. That he is right up my alley. But I hate taking music advice from people, so I rarely give in. But this year, after hearing a snippet of Danse Caribe I decided to take the chance, and so far, so good. Musically it is very strong. But no song has swept me away... yet.

Ben Kweller - Go Fly A Kite
One of my favorite records of 2012. Ben Kweller has taken a huge creative step, Songs like Gossip and Full Circle shine bright while nothing else on the album dims. Solid solid works. Strong contender for the end of the year top 13.

The Black Keys - El Camino
This record came out in late 2011, and it raced up many of the best albums of 2011 lists. Which, in my opinion is very short sighted. You cannot truly examine a record in less than a month and determine its merit. The record is not bad, but it cannot hold a candle to their 2010 release "Brothers."

Casiokids - Aabenbaringen Over Aaskammen
Some songs drive me up the flucking wall, some songs I crank up.

Chairlift - Something
Chairlift. What I say about Chairlift. Chairlift is like shaved ice on a really hot day. Really satisfying, but not filling. And I don't mean that as a slight.

Choir Of Young Believers - Rhine Gold
I just got this today. But I could not be more excited. Their 2009 release took over my life. This was number 10 on my 12 in 2012: Most Anticipated Albums list, and I cannot wait to dive in to it.

Damien Jurado - Maraqopa
Damien Jurado is a NW product, and the pride of the indie Seattle music scene. And rightfully so. Up until recently, I didn't "get it" with him. But, after seeing him live a few times, it sank in. His newest album, Maraqopa, is his best. He, somehow, after being on the scene since the 90's, is still finding a way to grow.

Delta Spirit - Delta Spirit
Just got it today, too early to judge.

Dia Frampton - Red
This record, from the runner up of the Voice last year, took me by surprise. I expected to find it chalk full of canned pop songs with an indie edge, but thankfully, I was wrong. The depth and subtle touch on this record is uncannily strong for a major label debut.

Drake - Take Care
This record has fallen off for me since I got it in late 2011. I loved it first, but now I find it to be a bit shallow and one note. That one note is great, but to stretch it to 19 tracks gets a little tired.

Dum Dum Girls - Only In Dreams
It's like if you took southern cali beach rock and shoved them into a garage. And it works, one of my dark horse favorites of 2012.

First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar
Officially has front runner status. One of the best records of 2012, First Aid Kit has found their maturity without losing what made them special. Still the best two part harmonies I have heard in the last 5 years.

fun. - Some Nights
I can't make up my mind here. Their 2009 release "Aim & Ignite" has become one of my all time favorite albums, so I am having to overcome my own expectations to give this record a fair shake. I can tell you this, Why Am I The One and Some Nights Intro are easily two of my favorite tracks of the year.

Good Old War - Come Back As Rain
You know how I said that First Aid Kit as the best 2 part harmonies? Good Old War is right up there in the 3 part harmonies race. This record has an earnestness that has been missing from music since The Tallest Man On Earth last released a record. I am in love with this record.

Gotye - Making Mirrors
I wanted to hate this record. Somebody That I Used To Know is everywhere, and as great as that song is, and it is fucking great, its overabundance is rather annoying. But, so far, this album is more good than bad, although there are a few songs that miss the mark, the ones that hit are pretty special.

Ingrid Michaelson - Human Again
Who knew Ingrid Michaelson could pull this record off? I didn't that's for sure. I only picked this up during a half asleep middle of the night buying spree. I didn't even remember it until it shuffled on while driving to work the next morning. But, wow. This record is spectacular. Seriously, she is one of the strongest song writers out there currently. This is the surprise album of the year. Almost a surefire lock for top 13.

Jennifer O'Connor - I Want What You Want
Quiet grace and beauty. This record begs to be played. Give it a chance.

Josh Ritter - Bringing In the Darlings
I just picked this up. Too early to judge.

Julia Stone - Let's Forget All The Things That We Say
Julia Stone needs to stick with Angus. There is nothing wrong with this record, and I bet that if this was the only album she had put out, and if Angus and Julia Stone didn't exist, I would probably love this, but knowing what I know, and knowing how great she can be, this just falls short.

K'naan - More Beautiful Than Silence
Strong, but short. Come on K'naan, give me more that 5 tracks, I've been waiting 3 years already. But, still, K'naan is the man.

Katie Herzig - The Waking Sleep
I like this record a lot. I has a unique perspective, but does not feel off-putting of non fans.

Los Camesinos! - Hello Sadness
Disappointing. I am not sure if it is the changing members, or the turn in the writing, but nothing has caught up with that debut record.

Lost In The Trees - A Church That Fits Our Needs
Just got it. Too early to judge.

Nada Surf - The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy
Nada Surf is still out there making tunes. I was not surprised to find this out, but I was surprised to actually like the music. And it's not at all like I remembered it being in the 90's. Yeah, it's standard alt rock, but the writing is strong, the musicality is solid, and it is a very decent record.

Of Monsters And Men - Into The Woods
This album is a beautiful mess. Little Talks & Love Love Love are special special songs, but the other two on the EP miss the mark. That is only a 50% success rate. However, considering how great the two successful songs actually are, I still call this one a win.

Perfume Genius - Put Your Back N 2 It
I have only spun through this whole record once, so I am not comfortable putting words down on it yet. But so far I really like it.

Real Estate - Days
Another late 2011 release that ended up on a bunch of best of lists, but this one I can agree with. It is not a unique perspective on rock and roll, but it is a strong outing that does not have any missteps.

The Roots - Undun
Too new to judge.

Samantha Crain - A Simple Jungle
I love Samantha Crain. She could release a track of her sneezing into a microphone and I would probably buy it. But, with that said, objectivity, this is a great EP, I cannot wait to find out what she has in store for her next full length.

School Of Seven Bells - Ghostory
I bought this because I liked the name of the album. "Ghostory." And the driving airy electrop pop rock jarred me. Actually jarred me. I was all like "WTF music!?" and I have been a fan ever since.

Sleigh Bells - Reign Of Terror
Still trying to figure out the big deal.

Tim Myers - Technicolor
One half of FM Radio, who is putting out an album shorting, Tim Myers is a bad ass. This record, and the subsequent stuff he is doing along with Schuyler Fisk for FM Radio is killer. This album has quickly become one of my favorites. I have some concerns about its longevity, but for now, hell yes!

White Rabbits - Milk Famous
Too new to judge, but excited to get started.

Xiu Xiu - Always
I dislike this greatly.

Zola Jesus - Conatus
Even though it was released late in 2011, This is right up there with First Aid Kit as the early front runner for the record of the year. I cannot get the album out of my head.

Song of the Day: "Ever Since (Chasing a Ghost)" by Jonathan Russell

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Wow. This blog has been dead, and I apologize. I got super sick and didn't have it in me to sit in front of a computer. But, now with health on the horizon I am going to jump back into things.

So, if you've been reading this blog, you'll be well aware of my affinity for the Head and the Heart, and this song falls right in line with that love. Jonathan Russell, the often bearded frontman, recently did a solo show in Freemont to celebrate Leap Day, and from what I can see, it was fantastic.

This is a new song that has been popping up at the occasional THAT show, and every clip I've seen has been great. But this solo video takes the cake.

"Ever Since (Chasing a Ghost)" by Jonathan Russell

Song of the Day: "Fathers Be Kind" & "I Don't Wanna Die Anymore" by Ivan & Aloysha

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Sorry I have not been as active as I would like to be on here lately, I would like to give you an excuse about my new schedule at work, or the stormy weather or whatnot, but honestly, I got sucked into a book. Not the most exciting thing ever, I realize, but I'm not a liar.

Anyways, I was not planning on posting anything today, but while doing my weekly internet rounds, I stumbled across some great live and acoustic song in a book store. How awesome is that?! Combining my two favorite things, music and books! Match made in heaven. Thanks Sleepover Shows!

Ivan & Aloysha have been bounced around on this blog for some time now. And for good reason, Tim Wilson may have my favorite voice in the Northwest. And the way the harmonies intermingle with his lead is brilliant. I cannot wait until this band's upcoming full length release finds its way into my collection.

"Fathers Be Kind" by Ivan & Aloysha


"I Don't Wanna Die Anymore" by Ivan & Aloysha

Re-Review: Noah and Abby Gundersen at The Big House in Ballard 1/13/12

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My head is still spinning. I have never been so hung up on a show in my life. And I have been to my fair share of shows. But, now, 9 days later, I am still all about the Noah and Abby Gundersen Show. And now, more importantly, I can get you hung up on it as well. The awesome gents over at This City Rocks are giving you an inside look at this once in a life time show, with some stunning videos.

This show is nearly impossible to overstate, but I tried too in my original post. Here are some of the snippets of what I sputtered. 

100 music lovers, truly loving music. Musicians truly giving everything. This was not one of those shows at a clinky bar where the music was just the noise trying penetrated the hum of drunken conversations. This was a show for honest to goodness audiophiles. I have never heard a crowd so quiet, so attentive, so in love with the sounds that were radiating off the stage. I am not sure I have ever experienced anything like it.

I want to preface this by saying that I am a huge fan of Noah Gundersen. However, he was not the star of the show last night. Abby Gundersen stole my heart. Not in the creepy, "I'm a 30 year old fat guy, crushing on the belting beauty" kind of way. Just musically, she simply stole my heart. It took seeing them live to realize, that although Noah is the front man, and deservedly so, Abby is the soul of the group. He writes amazing songs, and can easily bring them to life all on his own, but she makes those same songs stagger, and buckle at the knees.


He can make a crowd rise up, she can make them soar.


They are the perfect pair.


The passion they both played with was unparralled and vibrated throughout the entire building. It was truly an experience that I will not soon forget.

And, now, with the help of This City Rocks, I am so happy to let you in on the secret that was The Big House show.

"Fire"


"Poor Man's Son"


"Ledges" (if this new song is any indication of what is to come, Noah will rule the world)


"Caroline"

Song of the Day: "The Falling Snow" by Damien Jurado

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So, this lovely song is not at all about actual snow falling. But it's just so beautiful, and simply seemed to fit the mood of the day. Like the world is holding their breath.

"The Falling Snow" by Damien Jurado

12 in 2012 Series: Most Anticipated Albums Part 2

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And now we continue our series we're calling the 12 in 2012. Our top 12 books/music/movies/[insert other awesome thing] to look forward to in 2012.

Today: Most Anticipated Albums! Part 2

Addi posted his here yesterday and by request, here's my version. As always we agree on about 2. -Stevie

12. The XX - Title TBD

Listologies has long been a fan of The XX, even when we feared that they had broken up for good. I'm hoping that this next album will A) be awesome B) not have one song played repeatedly over and over on the radio as if the rest of the album doesn't exist- yes I'm talking about "Crystalized" and yes I'm talking to you The End.

"Islands" {acoustic 2010}

11. The Fray - Scars & Stories

Yes I know, everyone and their kid sister listens to The Fray now but I still love them. They're like my guilty pop pleasure. I still love Cable Car and probably always will (and thank god its finally off the radio). By now you've probably heard their first single "Heartbeat" which is just okay for me but I'm digging this track so maybe it'll be promising afterall?

"The Fighter"

10. Ben Kweller - Go Fly a Kite

He rocks. Nuff said. Go listen here to an awesome musical collage of the heads/tails of his new album and enjoy a little cover of Today by the Smashing Pumpkins by BK in BK!

"Today" {Cover: Smashing Pumpkins 2007}

9. Andrew Bird - Break it Yourself

I would be remiss not to include Andrew Birds latest (sure-to-be) masterpiece on my albums to look forward to in 2012. 14 new tracks and the only preview I've seen is 30 seconds and I'm already psyched. This will be one to buy on vinyl and listen to on surround sound.

Andrew Bird - Break It Yourself from Mom+Pop on Vimeo.

8. Damien Jurado - Maraqopa

The first time I saw Damien Jurado was 2001 with Rosie Thomas (what a pair!) then Addi and I saw him again in 2010 with The Head and the Heart. I'm sure you're thinking, wait, Listologies is excited about a Singer/Songwriter?? And yes, I'm still a card carrying Jurado fan, not only is he a Seattlite but the first song I heard from Maraqopa is haunting in that Jim Morrison kind of way that always sweeps me off my feet.

"Nothing is the News"

7. Nelly Furtado - Lifestyle

I've been a fan of Nelly Furtado FOREVER. Seriously, this is one artist that I can honestly say I knew about before all my friends. In fact she kind of said it herself! In late 2000 I fell in love with "I'm Like a Bird" (c'mon, I was a college freshman) and won concert tickets to an acoustic show at Benaroya Hall Symphony Hall- about 100 people max, Nelly Furtado, Sister Hazel and Shawn Mullins (Addi will never let me live it down that I didn't bring him). I get in line WITH Shawn Mullins to have Ms. Furtado sign my CD and after talking she says "you're like my first real big fan!" to which yes, you could dismiss as something you say to everyone, except fast forward to her 2006 release party in NYC and she remembers me! So there you have it, my geek out moment.

"No Hay Igual" {2006}

6. Santigold - Master of My Make Believe

I heard that Santigold was finally making a follow up to her 2008 Santogold album that made LES Artistes the track I played most that summer. Getting info on the new album however was work until literally 24 minutes ago when she released her first single off of Master of My Make Believe "Big Mouth" - going to give it a few more listens before I make up my mind...

"Big Mouth"

5. Fiona Apple - Title TBD

Those of you that are long time Fiona Apple fans know that this is quite possibly just a part of the rumor mill although Metacritic has it listed as a 2012 release (Billboard, MTV, even the New York Times had a release date of 2011 so...) There are at least a half dozen Free Fiona forums, sites, and even the #freefiona #ReleaseFiona on Twitter and yet her website seems untouched by the likes of Fiona herself or her captor, I mean music label, Sony Music. In the mean time, another conspiracy, is this "Elle J" really Fiona? Listen for yourself...

"The Runaway" by Unkle {2010}

4. Temper Trap -Title TBD

As Addi stated on his Most Anticipated Albums list here Temper Trap is very hush hush about their new album set to come out in June. If you've been to some of their live shows it sounds like they may have played you some of the new stuff but haven't gotten down to naming anything yet. I'm hoping that TT 's latest album can stand up to Conditions, as I too am afraid of the sophomore slump. The band working with Tony Hoffer (Beck, Phoenix, Goldfrapp) bodes good things.

"Sweet Disposition" Live from SXSW

3. Regina Spektor - What We Saw From the Cheap Seats

I have come to expect only amazing things from Regina Spektor. Perhaps most famous for that intro to (500) Days of Summer, she's popped up on our site before, here on my Best of the Decade list at #17 and here on the Best Songs of 2009 at #8 & #1(!!!) I can only hope that What We Saw From the Cheap Seats is as good as Far was in 2009.

"Us" {2009}

2. Lana Del Rey - Born to Die

SNL performance aside I die over Lana Del Rey. Her pouty lips, the awkward calamity that is her music videos, her haunting vocals (thanks sound engineers for the awesome reverb work!) I think she's going to have two camps: the ones that love her and the ones that hate her. I'm standing firmly on the love her side. Can't wait to get this on vinyl.

"Videogames"

1. The Shins - Port of Morrow

Admittedly I'm a huge Shins fan. Always have been. One of my biggest regrets in life is leaving for NYC the same weekend The Shins played a free show at my University. Like Addi often says with his favorite bands (see every band that Addi thinks he invented) I'm a little sad about The Shins mainstream blowup particularly after Garden State (Zach Braff is kind of a genius). This is a long anticipated album for me and I'm hoping it will be a grown up return to Oh, Inverted World.

"Simple Song"

Other albums to look forward to...

First Aid Kit

Mumford and Sons

The Decemberists

Neon Trees

Magnetic Fields

Best Coast

Dirty Projectors