I just bought MGMT's "Oracular Spectacular" and I can't get enough...it inspired me to think about all the good music I've been blessed with recently. in the past few months I've acquired a good deal of good new albums (also been to some good shows, woo hoo)- I'm going to inventory my faves. (note: I'll be adding to this with time, it's too late to finish in entirety tonight.)
MGMT-
Brooklyn group, relatively new on the scene. They've been described as Indie Rock/Electronica by some, and self-described (gee, toungue-in-cheek?) "Surf/Jungle/Country" on MySpace; their catchy, synth-y, electro-pop makes me want to jump up from my cubicle/bathtub/couch and shimmy around like a young thing (am I a young thing? I don't know what the cutoff is.). The tracks that are more '70's psychodelic-rock-esque are not to be forgotten, either.
LCD Soundsystem-
Been enjoying their also-incredibly-danceable electro-ey stuff for a while now. Also an NYC group, they can also be described as Electro-Indie-Rock but are self-described as Punk/Funk/Disco House on MySpace. Their recent album, Sound of Silver, has a couple tracks that are sure to be recognized from television commercials, or other mainstream stuff, if I could recall. It's really an epic album, catchy and able to be broadly appreciated, but deep and varied at the same time. It's something to rally to...I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell.
Liam Finn-
I unfortunately missed his in-store at Easy Street, but really love his debut album, "I'll Be Lightening". Maybe a little bit like Elliott Smith, but a little peppier, or dreamier, perhaps. Definitely dreamy, although also rockin'.
Nada Surf-
J'adore Nada Surf, and not just because they have a small repertoire of French songs. Brooklyn again, these guys have a dreamy, contemplative quality to their music that gets me. Lucky, their new album, may be more melancholy than their previous two, but there's a youthfulness that defines their sound, maybe partially in the beats and guitar, maybe partially in Matthew's voice, that persists. Definitely looking forward to the show at the Showbox at the end of the month.
Vampire Weekend-
Another new NY band (I see a pattern, is it telling me something?), they are being hyped a lot right now. Their melodic, sound is kind of World-y, the Easy Street review said something about "Afro-beats." It actually makes me think a lot of Paul Simon, in quality of voice and world-music beats. Indie Paul Simon with organ and southern-hemisphere musicians, in a musical... and it's awesome!
Spoon-
Best thing ever to come out of Texas. Okay, have never been close to Texas, but you know what I'm saying. Their recent album, Ga Ga Ga, is another great one in a legacy of good, solid rock, stretching back pretty far. Wish I'd paid attention sooner. From what I hear, maybe I should try out this Austin place.
Flight of the Conchords-
More than a band, A comedic sensation currently monopolized by HBO. Two NZ comedic musicians trying to make it in NYC. If you don't get cable, like me, you can catch their album in stores, Netflix the first season, and/or see their clips on YouTube.
Ingrid Michaelson-
Brooklyn sing-songy indie chanteuse is getting pretty well publicized, down to her Old Navy ad. Her voice has a nice, buttery quality that I like, and it integrates well into the overall sound. The songs in Girls and Boys make nice stories.
Daft Punk-
Good, old-fashioned Electro-Dance. The mother of all of them...French.
Juno Soundtrack-
Wonderful movie, great soundtrack. Kimya Dawson, Moldy Peaches, Sonic Youth, Velvet Underground, Cat Power, Also made me remember how much I like...
Belle and Sebastian-
Beautifully sung duets, they are the king and queen of pure folksy lyric indie wonderfulness. They've put out quite a few albums. I've been enjoying Dear Catastrophe Waitress a lot lately, though If You're Feeling Sinister and Fold Your Hands, Child, You Walk Like a Peasant are excellent as well.
Feist-
You may know her from the iPod commercial...
New Pornographers-
They've been around quite a while, but they're new to me, thanks to a good friend's good suggestion. BC, so yay, locals. They'll be at Sasquatch this year.
CSS (Cansei De Ser Sexy)
Also recognizeable from (newer) iPod commercial ("music is my boyfriend"), this female-led Brazilian group is a rebellious, sexy blend of altern0-electro-punk. Edgy, discordant at times, while being catchy and danceable at the same time. Reminds me, at times, of Cibo Matto in the arcade sounds and lead vocals.
hmm, Cibo Matto... it's been too long.
Brooklyn group, relatively new on the scene. They've been described as Indie Rock/Electronica by some, and self-described (gee, toungue-in-cheek?) "Surf/Jungle/Country" on MySpace; their catchy, synth-y, electro-pop makes me want to jump up from my cubicle/bathtub/couch and shimmy around like a young thing (am I a young thing? I don't know what the cutoff is.). The tracks that are more '70's psychodelic-rock-esque are not to be forgotten, either.
LCD Soundsystem-
Been enjoying their also-incredibly-danceable electro-ey stuff for a while now. Also an NYC group, they can also be described as Electro-Indie-Rock but are self-described as Punk/Funk/Disco House on MySpace. Their recent album, Sound of Silver, has a couple tracks that are sure to be recognized from television commercials, or other mainstream stuff, if I could recall. It's really an epic album, catchy and able to be broadly appreciated, but deep and varied at the same time. It's something to rally to...I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell.
Liam Finn-
I unfortunately missed his in-store at Easy Street, but really love his debut album, "I'll Be Lightening". Maybe a little bit like Elliott Smith, but a little peppier, or dreamier, perhaps. Definitely dreamy, although also rockin'.
Nada Surf-
J'adore Nada Surf, and not just because they have a small repertoire of French songs. Brooklyn again, these guys have a dreamy, contemplative quality to their music that gets me. Lucky, their new album, may be more melancholy than their previous two, but there's a youthfulness that defines their sound, maybe partially in the beats and guitar, maybe partially in Matthew's voice, that persists. Definitely looking forward to the show at the Showbox at the end of the month.
Vampire Weekend-
Another new NY band (I see a pattern, is it telling me something?), they are being hyped a lot right now. Their melodic, sound is kind of World-y, the Easy Street review said something about "Afro-beats." It actually makes me think a lot of Paul Simon, in quality of voice and world-music beats. Indie Paul Simon with organ and southern-hemisphere musicians, in a musical... and it's awesome!
Spoon-
Best thing ever to come out of Texas. Okay, have never been close to Texas, but you know what I'm saying. Their recent album, Ga Ga Ga, is another great one in a legacy of good, solid rock, stretching back pretty far. Wish I'd paid attention sooner. From what I hear, maybe I should try out this Austin place.
Flight of the Conchords-
More than a band, A comedic sensation currently monopolized by HBO. Two NZ comedic musicians trying to make it in NYC. If you don't get cable, like me, you can catch their album in stores, Netflix the first season, and/or see their clips on YouTube.
Ingrid Michaelson-
Brooklyn sing-songy indie chanteuse is getting pretty well publicized, down to her Old Navy ad. Her voice has a nice, buttery quality that I like, and it integrates well into the overall sound. The songs in Girls and Boys make nice stories.
Daft Punk-
Good, old-fashioned Electro-Dance. The mother of all of them...French.
Juno Soundtrack-
Wonderful movie, great soundtrack. Kimya Dawson, Moldy Peaches, Sonic Youth, Velvet Underground, Cat Power, Also made me remember how much I like...
Belle and Sebastian-
Beautifully sung duets, they are the king and queen of pure folksy lyric indie wonderfulness. They've put out quite a few albums. I've been enjoying Dear Catastrophe Waitress a lot lately, though If You're Feeling Sinister and Fold Your Hands, Child, You Walk Like a Peasant are excellent as well.
Feist-
You may know her from the iPod commercial...
New Pornographers-
They've been around quite a while, but they're new to me, thanks to a good friend's good suggestion. BC, so yay, locals. They'll be at Sasquatch this year.
CSS (Cansei De Ser Sexy)
Also recognizeable from (newer) iPod commercial ("music is my boyfriend"), this female-led Brazilian group is a rebellious, sexy blend of altern0-electro-punk. Edgy, discordant at times, while being catchy and danceable at the same time. Reminds me, at times, of Cibo Matto in the arcade sounds and lead vocals.
hmm, Cibo Matto... it's been too long.
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