I likee me some Lykke!
So I recently purchased the latest Spin which highlights the Top 40 Best Albums and Top 20 Songs of 2008. Not surprisingly, I missed a few great artists and songs in the past year. But there was so much going on and so much good music that it was inevitable! So now I wish to atone. Here are a few singles that I missed along the way. Don’t hate me, just break out the credit card and get downloading!
Lykke Li – Little Bit (alternative)
Her album “Youth Novels” is listed at #36 and I really dug her single “I’m Good, I’m Gone” with it’s weird freakazoid video. This song is definitely different and mellow!
F*%$cked Up – The Peaceable Kingdom (punk rock)
Voted as the 4th best album of the year by Spin, this is a really, really, really loud band! This song just grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. Great guitar riffs that make you miss the good old days of punk.
The Knux – Cappuccino (rap)
Picked as the #11 best single of the year, this is the cool side of the pillow. I had heard of The Knux, but never bothered to check them out. This single changed that.
Violens – Spectator & Pupil (easy alternative)
Think Belle & Sebastian or The Smiths and you get the influences with this band. Their single “Violent Sensation Descends” was picked as the #17 best single, I like this track…but I downloaded both of ‘em!
Bon Iver – Flume (folk)
If you like Iron & Wine, you’ll dig this band (Album #31). Easy tune with a simple melody. Makes me feel…very…sleepy…
Black Kids – I’m Making Eyes At You (poppy alternative)
Jacksonville’s favorite band (I assume…since that’s where they are from) hits their stride with another song that will bounce around in your brain for hours. Damn keyboard. And if you don’t have it already, go download “I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You”! Spin picks their album “Partie Tramatic” as #22. I think that’s a little high…but whatever.
Okkervil River – Pop Lie (alternative)
#19 album is “The Stand Ins” and everybody loves this band! I love this song…but can’t vouch for the whole package. This is pretty basic pop alternative and works with my 80’s sensibilities.
Not on the Spin list but I downloaded them anyways:
Slim – Good Lovin’ (R&B)
I really enjoy this guy. And this FREEBIE on ITunes makes me like him even more! I might have to buy this album in it’s entirety…
Lady Antebellum – Lookin’ For A Good Time AND
Taylor Swift – Love Story (country)
Pop country at it’s best. And really…that’s what country is anymore. Pop music. Both of these songs are hot right now and will be forgotten in a few days. But for now…I like both of ‘em!
Glen Hansard – When Your Mind’s Made Up (light alternative)
If you haven’t seen the movie “Once”, you should! And then go download the ENTIRE soundtrack. But if you don’t have the cash for that, you can buy this and the Oscar winner “Falling Slowly”. Both songs are beautiful in their own ways. Hansard is actually the main character in “Once”, and his band (The Frames) are huge in Ireland. They kind of remind me of…
The Fray – You Found Me (light alternative)
Love this song and it doesn’t sound like a retread of “How To Save A Life”…which is a great thing! Even has a little uptempo action happening in the middle which adds a little spice to it. Nicely done and now it makes me wonder about the album which comes out sometime in February.
The whole Bon Iver album is really good. Super mellow, but good.
I listened to it online and thought it sounds good, but I don’t know when I would ever sit and listen to it. I mostly listen to music when I drive or when I’m on a plane or at the gym. So it might be a little TOO mellow for me…
I will SO be buying the fray’s album this week! I love them. As for all the others: when I finally get a damn ipod, maybe I’ll have time to check out some of these new artists. sigh.