Summer 2025 New Music Playlist

 Listen on Spotify, enjoy!

1. "End of Summer" – Tame Impala
2. "Jewels" – Gardens & Villa, Jahsh Banks

3. "God Gets You Back" – Mogwai

4. "Okay" – Girl and Girl

5. "Time Crisis Too" – Holy Wave

6. "A Decoration" – TORRES, Fruit Bats

7. "Drop" – Tunde Adebimpe

8. "Blackoak" – Maribou State

9. "Catch Me" – Flying Mojito Bros

10. "Star String Radio" – Suzzallo

11. "Everybody Laughs" – David Byrne, Ghost Train Orchestra

12. "Mystic" – Other Lives

13. "Into Dust (Still Falling)" – Four Tet cover Mazzy Star

14. "Love on the Big Screen – Animal Collective

15. "Kimpton" – Barry Can't Swim, O'Flynn

16. "Chapter One" – Maps

17. "You Get So Far Away" – RAC

Top 20+ Songs of 2018 with Spotify Playlist

Another round up with my fave songs of 2018 listed not by preference but how best to order them for the optimal listening experience – although I have to admit that David Byrne's "Everybody's Coming To My House" has to be my #1(along with the euphoric concert experience of seeing him in non-stop motion with band members at Forest Hills in September during his American Utopia tour.) Here's to the year that was and the one that will be!  Listen as a Spotify playlist here.

1. "Everybody's Coming To My House" – David Byrne
2. "Humility (featuring George Benson)" – Gorillaz
3. "Magnetism" – Vacationer
4. "Wide Awake" – Parquet Courts
5. "Once In My Life" – The Decemberists
6. "It's Late" – A Beacon School
7. "Buzzing In the Light" – Dr. Dog
8. "A Perfect Miracle" – Spiritualized
9. "The Louder I Call, the Faster It Runs" – Wye Oak
10. "Don't Move Back To LA" – Okkervil River
11. "Wait By the River" – Lord Huron
12. "The Ceremony of Innocence" – Moby
13. "Forgive" – Roosevelt, Washed Out
14. "Gotta Run" – Lea Porcelain
15. "Hand It Over" – MGMT
16. "Music Snob" – De Lux
17. "Echo" – Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
18. "Where Your Mind Wants to Go (featuring Ludovico Einaudi)" – Blonde Redhead
19. "Lemon Glow" – Beach House
20. "The One To Wait" – CCFX
21. "The Deconstruction" – Eels
22. "More" – Jamison Isaak

Spring 2018 New Music Playlist

Listen on Spotify or as a YouTube Playlist (except "Find a Way to Keep Me" by Field Music and bonus tracks "Shades of Blue," "You Are Here," and "She May She Might" by Yo La Tengo).

1. "Always Ascending" – Franz Ferdinand
2. "The Louder I Call, the Faster It Runs" – Wye Oak
3. "Out of the Pool" – Yo La Tengo
4. "Lemon Glow" – Beach House
5. "Don't Move Back to L.A."  – Okkervil River
6. "Under the Wheels" – Calexico
7. "This Is That" – David Byrne
8. "Mr. Tillman" – Father John Misty
9. "Wait By the River" – Lord Huron
10. "Algernon" – A Beacon School
11. "Leave It In My Dreams" – The Voidz
12. "Runnin'" – Wajatta
13. "The Ceremony of Innocence" – Moby
14. "Emerald Rush" – Jon Hopkins
15. "Find a Way to Keep Me" – Field Music
16. " More" – Jamison Isaak

Winter 2018 New Music Playlist

Listen on Spotify or as a YouTube Playlist (except "Chico's Radical Decade" by the The Go! Team).

1. "Everybody's Coming to My House" – David Byrne
2. "Fluoresecent Light" – Stars
3. "Severed" – The Decemberists
4. "Gotta Run" – Lea Porcelain
5. "Listening In" – Dr. Dog
6. "Hand It Over" – MGMT
7. "Music Snob" – De Lux
8. "Taste" – Rhye
9. "Echo" – Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
10. "Sunday" – Geowulf
11. "Chico's Radical Decade" – The Go! Team
12. "Can't Stop My Dreaming (of You) – Jono Ma & Dreems
13. "Can't Get It Out" – Nada Surf
14. "The One to Wait" – CCFX
15. "The Deconstruction" – Eels
16. "Friday Morning" – Khruangbin

Here's to 2018 – New Releases Ahead by Favorite Bands (David Byrne, Franz Ferdinand, Moby & more)

What a difference a year makes... I combed through the lists of upcoming releases looking for reasons to be hopeful about 2018 and found just a few: Moby, Franz Ferdinand plus all those unreleased tracks by the Gorillaz promised ahead. Then yesterday one of my top musical heroes David Byrne not only announced a new album in 14 years (!) American Utopia but he also gave a talk in NYC entitled "Reasons to Be Cheerful." I tuned into the online stream (archived on Facebook and YouTube), hanging on every word from this wise and witty shaman. Byrne espoused about his latest project, Contemporary Colors, along with answers to world problems large and small. His talk was set to carefully chosen, although some completely random, visuals just like those at groundbreaking concerts as frontman for The Talking Heads. 

Check out the first single from the album "Everybody's Coming to My House" via the video below with fitting artwork of the artist by Doug Henders. This tune produced by longtime pal Brian Eno features danceable beats, poetic lyrics – stream of consciousness, about ordinary but which say much more – and those unmistakable vocals that have been copied, but never exactly replicated. As if 2017 wasn't awesome enough musically with a new album (after many years) from another all time fave band LCD Soundsystem, with this new music on repeat for my ears I am not only cheerful, but one extremely happy music fan. It's simply the same as it ever was!

UPCOMING NEW RELEASES IN 2018:
January 19 – De Lux, More Disco Songs About Love (Innovative Leisure)
January 19 – The Go! Team, Semicircle (Memphis Industries)
January 26 – Django Django, Marble Skies (Ribbon Music)
January 26 – Calexico, The Thread That Keeps Us (Anti-Records) 
February 9 – Franz Ferdinand, Always Ascending (Domino)
February 9 – MGMT, Little Dark Age (Columbia)
March 2 – Moby, Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt (Mute)
March 9 – David Byrne, American Utopia (Todomundo/Nonesuch Records)
March 9 – of Montreal, White is Relic/Irrealis Mood
March 16 – Yo La Tengo, There's a Riot Going On (Matador Records)
March 16 – The Decemberists, I'll Be Your Girl (Columbia)
April 6 – Wye Oak, The Louder I call, The Faster It Runs (Merge)
April 27 – Dr. Dog, Critical Equation (Thirty Tigers)
April 27 – Okkervil River, Rainbow Rain (ATO) 
Gorillaz – TBD
Arctic Monkeys – TBD
Vampire Weekend  – TBD

Contemporary Color @ Barclays Center This Weekend June 27 & 28 - David Byrne Curates a Rock Jam Spectacular

The other day I heard the Talking Heads' "Once in a Lifetime" on KEXP which took me back to the days of early MTV's short playlist and Tony Basil's choreography capturing David Byrne's manic angularity without messing with the pure magic of this iconic song.  When I realized it was the live version, I was back at Forest Hills aglow from the group's conceptually creative concert as captured in film for Stop Making Sense. (I wrote about the doc's 30th anniversary in a post last fall.) My mind then flashed forward in time through concerts in 1993, 2001 and 2009 plus Here Lies Love (2013) along with my many run ins with David Byrne in the city and lately at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, known as BAM. My first article for PopMatters about my love of online radio was picked up by his website five years ago -- probably my proudest moment in writing. I was also recently tapped to write about his collaboration with BAM and the Barclays Center, Contemporary Color, to appear in the BAMbill and BAM Blog (found online here).

While I've seen many other media outlets pick up the story, so much is focused on the genius of Byrne and the visual showcase of ten color guard teams but hardly mentioning half of the rock stars that will be providing the soundtrack. I'm sure they were all pleased to get the call to join in and have since been going the extra mile to compose an original piece of music for the project. Here's a video of Merrill Garbus of TUnE-yArDs (and fellow Smith grad) meeting with her color guard team Emanon for the first time. Check this varied list of artists below, visit ContemporaryColor.com or read my BAM write up for more info, and grab some tickets. For me, Contemporary Color is going to be yet another momentous musical moment with David Byrne.

After the show with my musical hero once again...

LIVE PERFORMANCES BY:
David Byrne
Nelly Furtado
TUnE-yArDs
How To Dress Well
Devonté Hynes
Zola Jesus
Lucius
Nico Muhly + Ira Glass
Money Mark + Ad-Rock
St. Vincent

tUnE-yArDs

Here Lies Love: The Concert For the Phillipines, November 25 @ Terminal 5 NYC

David Byrne takes the stage @ Terminal 5

David Byrne's 2010 concept album written with Fat Boy Slim about the rise and fall of Imelda Marcos, Here Lies Love, morphed into a theatrical production at NYC's Public Theatre last spring. After a successful run where it was extended four times, the award-winning musical  appeared for a one night only concert to raise funds for the Philippines.  The cast contacted Byrne about doing something to raise money for relief efforts after Super Typhoon Yolanda (as Typhoon Haiyan is known in the Philippines) hit with catastrophic results on November 7th. After The Bowery Presents donated the use of Terminal 5, the show quickly came together, showcasing the soundtrack with the original cast and costumes. 

Most of the cast is Filipino and as Byrne wrote in an email promoting the show, "The show is about the resiliency of the Philippine people -- that sentiment couldn't be more timely." He came out to welcome the crowd, introducing a representative of Doctors Without Borders and also suggested donations towards 350.org, a climate change organization. From there, it was non-stop singing by a talented group presenting memorable melodies that stick with you in that classic musical tradition with Byrne's danceable world view.  Ruthie Ann Miles not only gives Imelda Marcos a pulse from the beginning but more importantly a heart -- she carries the show with her star presence and solid voice. For more information about the relief organizations, see below.

Doctors Without Borders 

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) works in nearly 70 countries providing medical aid to those most in need regardless of their race, religion, or political affiliation.

350.org

To preserve our planet, scientists tell us we must reduce the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere from its current level of 400 parts per million ("ppm") to below 350 ppm. But 350 is more than a number—it's a symbol of where we need to head as a planet.  At 350.org, we're building a global grassroots movement to solve the climate crisis and push for policies that will put the world on track to get to 350 ppm.

Fall 2012 New Music Playlist

Here’s a selection of new music off highly anticipated releases from indie strongholds Grizzly Bear and Animal Collective along with singles from upcoming releases from Tame Impala and Matt and Kim.  New super group Divine Fits provided a strong entry of solid songs while David Byrne handpicked Annie Clark (a.k.a. St. Vincent) for another collaborative project.  With so much new music out recently, a Late Fall New Music Playlist is already in the works -- of course that’s never a bad thing! Link to listen here.

1. “Let’s Go” – Matt and Kim

“Let’s Go” is the single off the upcoming release Lightning, from Brooklyn’s indie dance punk couple Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino.  While remaining true to their minimalist DIY roots, this latest party anthem rocks a rollicking beat, alternating cooing and yelping vocals, plus handclaps of fun. 

2. “Fineshrine” – Purity Ring

New band Purity Ring is also a duo – Canadians Corin Roddick and Megan James wrote the songs for their debut album, Shrines, miles apart but they quickly became noticed in the international music scene for a hybrid of eclectic electro pop.  James’ voice is at once commanding and childlike, while instrumentalist Roddick provides synth beats for the foundation.

3. “Gun Has No Trigger” – Dirty Projectors

Experimental alt rock band Dirty Projectors have released seven full length albums, the latest Swing Low Magellan, with “Gun Has No Trigger” as its single.  The six members of the Brooklyn group create an always interesting, collaborative sound under frontman David Longstreth.

4. “Hidden” – Erika Spring

Erika Spring of Brooklyn’s synth pop band Au Revoir Simone strikes out solo with a self-titled EP.  This single “Hidden” features Jorge Elbrecht of Violens on percussion (he also produced the songs), with Spring’s dreamy vocals finding a new path for her musical ambition.

5. “Apocalypse Dreams” – Tame Impala

Australian pysch rock band Tame Impala’s sophomore album Lonerism, is due in October, but the group released “Apocalypse Dreams” as a free download to its eager fans.  It’s a journey into their fuzzed out soundscape with a few musical twists to keep things fresh.

6. “Would That Not Be Nice” - Divine Fits

Britt Daniels of Spoon and Dan Boeckner of Handsome Furs and Wolfe Parade joined forces to create the new band Divine Fits.  This single of their debut album, A Thing Called Divine Fits, has Daniels’ familiar barking vocals leading the way in a confident pairing of like-minded indie rock musicians.

7. “Summertime Is Coming” – Paul Banks

Interpol’s frontman Paul Bank returns to his side project for another EP, Julian Plenti Lives… although the songs will soon be folded into a full length album simply called Banks.  “Summertime Is Coming” highlights the familiar baritone, finding his swagger alone in the forefront of his own musical vision.

8. “I Won’t Go” – thenewno2

The alt rock band thenewno2’s sophomore album, thefearof missingout, continues with the creative musings of frontman Dhani Harrison (a.k.a. George Harrision’s son).   “I Won’t Go” showcases his snarling vocals and a guitar-centric point of view in songwriting.

9. “Only In My Dreams” – Ariel Pink’s Haunted Grafitti

West coast band Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti revisits an early rock subtext for this tune, “Only In My Dreams.”   The latest album, Mature Themes, expands on the home studio aesthetic of multi-instrumentalist Ariel Pink into a group think partnership.

10. “Who” – David Byrne & St. Vincent

David Byrne continues his crazy work ethic by releasing an album Love This Giant, with Annie Clark, who channels her own iconic persona as St. Vincent.  The quirky texture with Byrne’s distinctive vocals carry the tune with a horn section lending a funky vibe in this single, “Who.”

11. “Sleeping Ute” – Grizzly Bear

12. “Yet Again” – Grizzly Bear

Brooklyn art rock band Grizzly Bear is back after its acclaimed 2009 album, Veckatimest.  “Sleeping Ute” and “Yet Again” illustrate the group’s famed creative aesthetic in their fourth album, Shields.

13. Applesauce – Animal Collective

Experimental psych band Animal Collective is back with their eleventh album, Centipede Hz.  “Applesauce” is a fun romp from the prolific group originally based in Baltimore, and each member has their own side project to keep them busy as well.

14. “Old Friend” – Sea Wolf

Indie folk artist Alex Brown Church has created four releases as Sea Wolf, channeling a laid back persona for a catalogue of intimate songs.   “Old Friend” is a sweet tune over an intricate percussive backbone and the single off the latest album, Old World Romance.

15. “October” – The Helio Sequence

“October” is the single off Negotiations, the fifth full length album from this alt rock duo based near Portland. Brandon Summer (vocals) and Benjamin Weikel (drums/keyboards) put together a space out jam that glides along after the ethereal guitar intro.

16. “Alruccabah” – Nickodemus

Music Producer Nickodemus fosters a world view in the dance music scene after growing up amid the many cultures found in New York City.  “Alruccabah” is off his third album, Moon People, which includes many of his favorite collaborators such as Afrika Bambaataa, The Real Live Show, and Belleruche.

David Byrne steals the show at Paul Simon Concert

I can't say I love how Brooklyn Vegan feels a need to post every picture taken at a concert, couldn't they weed out a few? But then picking up a video from YouTube showing David Byrne surprising the crowd June 7th during an encore at Webster Hall brilliantly told the real story... Byrne appears in his trademark white (at least these days) towering over the tired Paul Simon, full of happy energy and the joy of performance. A rollicking version of the Talking Head's "Road to Nowhere" showcased Byrne's strong singing and exuberance while Simon tried to keep up (link below).

For more concert footage of Byrne leading the charge, his latest trek "The Songs of David Byrne and Brian Eno Tour" has been made into a film called Ride Rise Roar which was released May 31. Directed by David Hillman Curtis, the documentary covers backstage as well as performances across the U.S. and Europe. I was lucky enough to see the tour in Oxford, England and wrote about it here. Looking forward to reliving it all over again!

Brooklyn Vegan Review of the concert:

http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2011/06/paul_simon_webs_2.html

Radio is Doing Fine -- Online

In a CNN interview last week, David Byrne remarked how he doesn’t listen to radio much anymore (the excuse he gave is because he doesn’t have a car). As a certified tastemaker over the years as a solo artist after leading the Talking Heads, it seemed funny to hear this from a guy who posts his personal playlist on itunes as Radio David Byne. I’m a huge fan, but it was just not what I wanted to hear, I know he’s a great supporter of new music from all over the world but you don’t need a car to listen to the radio. In fact, I have found my best source of finding new tunes listening to radio programs online.

I have always been on the hunt for something new to listen to and the radio has provided me with something new through the decades. From my tranister in my room or in the car listening to top 40 hits on NYC stations in the 70s during my childhood in suburban CT – try explaining the next generation used to fancy sound systems in cars (or at least ones that don’t add fuzzy or tinny sounds to the mix) that it was still awesome. There’s just something about the combination of traveling roads with a favorite tune playing. I tuned soley into the iconic station WLIR on Long Island in the 80s with its “Screamer of the Week” voted for by phone calls to the station. I’d sit by the radio with great anticipation of catching a listen in order to press record on a cassette player so I could play it over and over again, from UK bands like Squeeze or a new group called U2. My best tunes of the 90s and early this decade came from a station in Annapolis called WHFS, which I could listen to during visits to my parents who had retired to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. I could count on returning home with a fav new tune from Weezer or more obscure hits from Sebedoh or Eels.

Right when WHFS was calling it quits, I heard that a station I knew about from trips to LA was going online. The music producer Nic Hardcourt’s ‘Morning Becomes Eclectic” was streaming online with new tunes daily. I couldn’t believe was the option of listening live or on demand anytime – radio could continue to be my salvation, feeding me new bands and tunes for my own personal playlists. With some decent speakers attached to my laptop I was in new music heaven. I even had copy of Nic’s book Music Lust signed by him during an appearance in New York a few years ago; I even had a name for my attraction to having something to feed my ears.

Although the show’s reigns have been passed to Jason Bentley, it’s still the classic radio formula that makes it work. Take a knowledgeable dj who selects and spins the tunes with background on the bands plus any info on upcoming gigs or releases. I still catch it almost daily or archived online, especially enjoying the live sessions. While this fills my essential need for new tunes, I also enjoy more radio shows found more locally on the dial in the New York City area but also online: “Alternative Side” on wfuv.org and “Next Music” on wpeak.org. Back up lists of playlists and information at our fingertips online ful

I’m not talking about Pandora, the service which requires you to put in music you like and it plays you other music you might like. I tried this and there was nothing I didn’t already didn’t already know, though it was all music I technically ‘liked’ anyway. And Sirius radio makes you choose such narrow genres I feel locked in – switching back and forth from Alt Nation to nearby New Wave station which is now deemed ‘Classic Alternative.’

The iTunes store will recommend other music to check out just like Amazon but I never trusted those, actually they kind of freak me out a bit. A friend’s recommendation makes more sense but a dj is more opt to play something you haven’t heard before. I’ve been that friend to many and now post personally crafted playlists on newmusicmatters.blogspot.com because I do believe it matters. Old songs take us back to a time and place we can instantly revisit but something new is pure ear candy.

Yes, David Byrne says he probably doesn’t listen to radio much because he doesn’t have a car. I’ve seen him in NYC a few times, once with his bike sitting outside a rest. And thankfully he has been instrumental in getting bike racks. But let the term radio expand to the web and indulge in the many offerings that were once just found along a dial – you might even find a new tune for your playlist.

Spring 2010 New Music Playlist

Welcome Spring and a bounty of new releases to pour through for a new playlist... link to listen here.

1. Stylo featuring Mos Def & Bobby Womack - Gorillaz

Waited five years for another Gorillaz offering -- this one seems much more Daman Albarn's universe of sound, seems like he's no longer hiding behind the cartoon character concept or leaning heavily on producer's input (mainly Danger Mouse who's been working with James Mercer of The Shins as Broken Bells, see below). He brings in a full range of colabos as evidenced in this funky tune with rapper Mos Def with R&B soulman Bobby Womack. Perhaps this is a by-product of the congenial Blur rockin' come back appearances in the UK last year? Whatever it is, I'm game.

2. Good Morning (The Future) - Rogue Wave

This upbeat song is off the newly released CD (#4 from the CA indie band which has been featured on movies, commercials & TV shows as in poignant moments on the OC). The group began as an alternative career for leader of the band Zach Schwartz (a.k.a. Zach Rogue) after the dot-com bust -- he bought a one way ticket to NYC to record a few songs with friend which translated into a debut CD. This song is overly accessible with a catchy, poppy vibe but I can't resist it even after multiple listens.

3. Walkabout (With Noah Lennox) - Atlas Sound

4. Quick Canal (With Laetitia Sadier) - Atlas Sound

Atlas Sound is the side project of Bradford Cox, lead singer of Deerhunter, since he was ten. Living with the genetic disorder Marfan syndrome manifested a solitary existence growing up in Atlanta, GA so music was his refuge -- there are supposedly boxes of tapes full of tracks under this moniker tucked away. These newest stream of consciousness creations constructed without his band are awash in emotion, first with Noah Lennox of Panda Bear and then Laetitia Sadier of Sterolab.

5. Heaven Can Wait - Charlotte Gainsbourg

6. IRM - Charlotte Gainsbourg

Actress/Singer Charlotte Gainsbourg teamed up with Beck for her 3rd CD titled IRM which is the French translation of an MRI, a treatment she experienced many times after a cerebral hemorrhage during which she'd think about music as an excape. Gainsbourg's lineage in an extremely successful arty family (actress mother, composer/singer father, even a screenwriter uncle) allows an openness and funds to try different genres but thinking that bringing 90s wonder boy Beck on board is pure brilliance -- not only his sweet back up vocals on the first tune but the production on IRM is absolutely masterful.

7. Zebra - Beach House

8. Norway - Beach House

9. 10 Mile Stereo - Beach House

The band Beach House actually embraces the term "dream pop" for their music with this third album release. The duo was formed in 2004 in Baltimore by native Alex Scally and French-born vocalist Victoria Legrand (who is also heard on the Grizzly Bear tracks). Supposedly the song "Norway" was created to fulfill a request for a saleable 'single' and it seems to have hit the spot. I don't care how it came about, it's a great song.

10. Breakin' the Chains of Love - Fitz and The Tantrums

I heard about this group through my weekday new music fix on Morning Becomes Eclectic as they were featured in a live session which they totally rocked with a huge party attitude despite it being before noon in LA. Fitz & crew flaunt the new trend in retro blue-eyed soul to perfection -- I dare anyone not to move when this song is playing!

11. Please Don't - David Byrne & Fat Boy Slim (featuring Santigold)

Santigold totally owns this song about Imelda Marcos' response to the world problems which is part of the new project between David Byrne and Fat Boy Slim. Check out the great videos (6 were compiled of news clips of the woman's "handbag diplomacy" in action) for this kick-a dance tune over a rollicking rhythmic track.

12. Them That Do Nothing - Field Music

13. Measure - Field Music

This band of UK brothers, David and Peter Brewis, marks a return to the band after two CDs and time off for solo projects. These tracks are both rich in influences (I'm hearing XTC and 70s bands like Steely Band) yet creative enough to make for extremely worthwhile listening.

14. Vaporize - Broken Bells

15. The Ghost Inside - Broken Bells

Here is Danger Mouse with James Mercer of The Shins sounding more like the Gorillaz then the Gorillaz's new CD in "Vaporize" and providing a sunny CA sensibility to the moodier Mercer. Another collection worth a purchase from this pair that met backstage during a festival in 2004 -- hope they can find more time in the future for more studio sessions soon!

16. What Would I Want? Sky - Animal Collective

I just love this lilting tune lifted up by the synth intro, heavenly really. It boasts a historical moment by using the first sanctioned Grateful Dead sample: Phil Lesh's sweet vocals off his song "Unbroken Chain" from the Mars Hotel album in 1974. Animal Collective is a collaborative group originally from Baltimore but now based in NYC, featuring Noah Lennox of Panda Bear and a loose line-up of friends. The band makes the lyrics all their own, scrambling the words and creating a wonderful sentiment, who wouldn't want sky?

Winter 2010 New Music Playlist

1. True Stories - Datarock

It took me a few listens of this tune by the Norwegian electro duo on kcrw's Morning Becomes Eclectic to realize the lyrics are simply a string of song titles by the Talking Heads -- pure tongue in cheek brilliance. As a THeads fan I recognized them all along with the various musical references but the best is the catchy singalong chorus (fitting in as the Mom in "Mom & Dad we're burning down the house") followed by classic "Hey" shout outs. Hard NOT to move during this one! Link to listen here.

2. One Life Stand - Hot Chip

Another awesome dance track from this British electropop band which was released last fall in advance of a new CD with same name, scheduled to drop February 9th. The sweet sentiment of having much more than a one night stand is just icing on the up beat groove and dazzling swirl of synths. I can't wait for the new collection of songs to dig into from this band that brought us the classic "Over and Over" (one of my favorite dance hits of all time).

3. Do You Want It All - Two Door Cinema Club

I've had this young Northern Irish band on earlier playlists, loving how their catchy electropop tunes are unapologetic with all access accessibility. The group is yet another one of many that met in high school which always creates a soft spot in my heart, especially as they are just entering into total legit category with a CD release of their own sometime in February. It will be interesting to hear what they have to offer in a full collection of songs.

4. Knotty Pine - David Byrne & Dirty Projectors

The Dirty Projectors were recently featured on the cover of New York Magazine with MGMT and Grizzly Bear for the article "Brooklyn's Sonic Boom," so I was eager to check them out since I was a fan of the other two bands. I found their sound a bit confusing but this collaboration with David Byrne keeps the energy reigned in and pumping along with a cohesive agenda. The track is found on a separate CD, Dark Was the Night, the 20th compilation to raise funds for the Red Hot Organization which is dedicated to fighting AIDS.

5. So Far Around the Bend - The National

This song is also off the same CD, with The National contributing their signature sound with plans in the way for a new release later this year. Their laid back approach is spirited by lead singer and lyricist Matt Berninger's warm baritone floating over the rest of the band. The group is actually comprised of two sets of brothers, friends from growing up in Ohio but now based with the rest of the indie world in Brooklyn.

6. Horchata - Vampire Weekend

As the opening track of the second Vampire Weekend CD, Contra, the song propels this band of Columbia University grads back on the scene with confidence. The title is the name of a traditional Mexican beverage which fits into their distinctive mix of world music references with the addition of classical strings. This release landed on the top of the Billboard album chart (though with just 124,000 copies sold, it's still a sad statement on lackluster CD sales.)

7. White Sky - Vampire Weekend

A foundation of crisp electronic beats sets the foundation for Ezra Koenig's vocals to introduce the story in song but the band's interjection of more "Hey" shout outs makes it fun for all. The string of vowels ending sing-a-long is a great capper to the song.

8. Cousins - Vampire Weekend

An instant classic for the band, this was the first single off the CD. It's a rollicking song telling of family ties that fall into a frenzy of ringing guitar and fast moving rhythms.

9. Blood - Middle East

This Australian band is known for creating rambling collages of varied instrumentation (including glockenspiel, trumpet, hand percussion, electric and acoustic guitars) with lush vocal harmonies. This song is part of their first EP, The Recordings of The Middle East, and with the group landing a slot at Coachcella this spring there's much more to come from this band on the big time music scene.

10. Flashing Light Means Go - The Boxer Rebellion

The band's second CD Union was named Best Alternative Album in 2009 by itunes so I was interested to give it a full listen, but only found this song that I had already heard worth putting on a playlist. It begins with a classic drumbeat but develops into a full textured sound with a dreamy chorus.

11. Audience - Cold War Kids

This scrappy band from Long Beach, CA, likes to leave things well enough alone which nicely compliments Nathan Willett's raw vocals. The song leads off the new EP, Behave Yourself.

12. Is Love Forever - Spoon
13. The Mystery Zone - Spoon

14. Who Makes Your Money - Spoon

15. Written In Reverse - Spoon

I have placed four songs off the new Spoon release Transference on my playlist as they appear in quick succession on the CD (though the web sheriff didn't like them appearing on the Grooveshark widget!) This set works as a nice introduction to the band, with its quirky beats and Brett Daniel's spare singing spewing succinct lyrics. The other three songs flow from this core sound, into the electronic keyboard chords of "The Mystery Zone" and the funk of "Who Makes Your Money." "Written In Reverse" returns to a classic Spoon approach of edgy guitar over drum beats and emotive vocals. It was hard to whittle down things at al -- most likely to be on my list of favs for 2010.

16. Ambivalence Avenue - Bibio

Bibio, a.k.a. Stephen Wilkinson, is a British music producer who actually studied 'sonic arts' at the Middlesex University in London. This track is off his second CD of three released in 2009, a prolific year of music under a variety of musical labels -- from folk/electronica to ambient music and jangle pop.

17. New Theory - Washed Out

18. Feel It All Around - Washed Out

Ernest Greene has only recently created these lush synth creations as Washed Out after exploring rock and hip hop. In an interview with Pitchfork, he explains that the 'laid-back 80s throwback feel" was influenced by his surroundings after returning home in rural Georgia.

19. The High Road - Broken Bells

The song is the first single for this side project featuring the familiar vocals of The Shins' James Mercer backed by the artistry of Danger Mouse. A self-titled album from this side project is due in March, can't wait!