Fall 2021 New Music Playlist

 Listen on Spotify, enjoy!

1. "The Hardest Cut"  –  Spoon
2. "Walking at a Downtown Pace" – Parquet Courts
3. "I Was a Tunnel" – Generationals
4. "In the Gloaming" – trentemøller, Lisbet Fritze

5. "Lost in the Weight" – Deserta

6. "Six Words" – Elbow

7. "Once Twice Melody" – Beach House

8. "Crutch" – Band of Horses

9. "Harmonia's Dream" – The War on Drugs

10. "Always Together with You" – Spiritualized

11. "Love Love Love" – My Morning Jacket

12. "All Inclusive" – Pool Boy, Cyril Hahn

13. "C'mon America" –  Jeff Tweedy

14. "Simple Like Us" – Teleman

15. "Frankie" – Barrie

16. "Prester John" – Animal Collective

17. "Glisten" – The Album Leaf

18. "Elsewhere" – Hammock

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

Summer 2018 New Music Playlist

Listen on Spotify or as a YouTube Playlist (with glorious live versions by Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Dr. Dog and Washed Out!) 


1. "Magnetism" – Vacationer
2. "SGL" – Now, Now
3. "Back Seat Driver (Spirit Guide)" Bear Hands
4. "Wide Awake" – Parquet Courts
5. "Transhumanity" – JB Dunckel
6. "Once In My Life" – The Decemberists
7. "Quiero Otoño de Nuevo" – Mint Field
8. "Cranberry" – Hovvdy
9. "It Was Not Natural" – Wye Oak
10. "It's Late" – A Beacon School
11. "These Falling Arms" – The Sea and Cake
12. "It You're Going to Break Yourself" – Unknown Mortal Orchestra
13. "Human Being Song" – Okkervil River
14. "Buzzing In the Light" – Dr. Dog
15. "Black Car" – Beach House
16. "Pirates" – Brazilian Girls
17. "Juicy Socks" – Cherry Glazer
18. "Face Up" – Washed Out

Late Fall 2017 New Music Playlist

Listen on Spotify or as a YouTube Playlist (except Wye Oak's "Wave Is Not the Water," not found there!)

1. "875 Dollars" – De Lux
2. "Plimsoll Punks" – Alvvays
3. "Wave Is Not the Water" – Wye Oak
4. "Hurts to Liv" – liv
5. "All About Waiting" – Dhani Harrison (featuring Camila Gray)
6. "Los Ageless" – St. Vincent
7. "Soul and Cigarette" – Daniele Luppi & Parquet Courts
8. "Feels Like Heaven" – Ariel Pink
9. "Tic Tac Toe" – Django Django
10. "Deadly Valentine" – Charlotte Gainsburg
11. "Tinseltown Swimming in Blood" – Destroyer
12. "How It Feels" – Ages and Ages
13. "Little Dark Age" – MGMT
14. "Wallowa Lake Monster" – Sufjan Stevens
15. "Sleeping and Falling" – Jonti
16. "North" – Yotto
17. "Redlining" – Dan Deacon

Summer 2016 New Music Playlist

The season is in full swing with the Fourth of July behind us so here’s a playlist of new tunes to add to your summer soundtrack. There’s another single from Beck teasing his next album and others from Glass Animals, Blind Pilot and Unknown Mortal Orchestra.  A debut by onDeadWaves is perfectly chill while indie rockers Parquet Courts, Deerhoof and Wolf Parade return to kick things up a gear. Then things mellow out with ambient tracks by Gold Panda, Hammock, CFCF.  Listen on Spotify or as a YouTube Playlist (without Deerhoof or the new Kinobe remix however).

1. “Life Itself” – Glass Animals

English indie rock band Glass Animals is ready to release a sophomore album, How to Be a Human, with this rhythmic single “Life Itself” leading the way. Singer Dave Bayley grew up in Texas with dreams of becoming a doctor, but that fell by the wayside after forming this unique quartet in 2012.

2. “Moods” – Sonny & The Sunsets

San Francisco’s Sonny & The Sunsets brings a quirky Californian vibe to “Moods.”  Led by Sonny Smith, this kooky tune is found on his eleventh album, Moods Baby Moods.

3. “Umpqua Rushing” – Blind Pilot

Indie folk band Blind Pilot is a six-piece based in Portland that will soon drop its third album since 2005, And Then Like Lions.  The single “Umpqua Rushing” confidently ushers in the new collection with the soulful singing of Israel Nebeker.

4. “Community of Hope” – PJ Harvey

English writer, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist PJ Harvey has released her ninth studio album since 1992, The Hope Six Demolition Project. “Community of Hope,” originally one of her poems, is a rallying cry condemning urban development in D.C.

5. “First World Problem” – Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Portland’s psych rock band Unknown Mortal Orchestra was formed by New Zealander Ruban Nielson in 2010.  This stand-alone single, “First World Problem,” brings another irresistible and funky ode to modern love. (See last year’s “I Can’t Keep Checking My Phone” picked for my Summer 2015 New Music Playlist!)

6. “Plastic Thrills” – Deerhoof

San Francisco based experimental rock band Deerhoof has released its 13^th studio album since 2009, The Magic. The quartet’s dense textures are anchored by the wavering vocals of Satomi Matsuzaki.

7. “If You Should See” – Wye Oak

“If You Should See” is a standout track from Tween, the fifth album since 2006 from Baltimore’s Wye Oak. The duo of Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack create lush arrangements that swirl sonically.

8. “The Pool” – Papertwin

Brooklyn based trio Papertwin’s third studio release Vacation acknowledges a variety of influences, from The Cure to Gillian Welch. “The Pool” is synth heavy but doesn’t dwell in the past.

9. “Past Lives” – Local Natives

In September, L.A. based indie rock band Local Natives will release its third album, Sunlit Youth. The single “Past Lives” is a musical journey all its own, from the opening cry of “Save Me” to the layered sonic romp that follows.

10. “California” ­– onDeadWaves

This new band formed by British singer-songwriter Polly Scattergood and James Chapman of Maps has released a self-titled debut album full of laid-back shoegaze. “California” is an ode to the U.S. West Coast and a perfect summer song.

11. “Dust” – Parquet Courts

NYC rock quartet Parquet Courts concoct more high energy punk tunes in its fifth studio album since 2010, Human Performance. This fun catchy song “Dust” is a witty take on city living.

12. “Floating World” – Wolf Parade

Canadian indie rock band Wolf Parade was formed in Montreal in 2003, yet it’s just back after a five year hiatus – the new self-titled EP (like the three before it) effortlessly brings the original scrappy sound back to life.

13. “Wow” – Beck

West Coast musical wunderkind Beck released a second single, “Wow,” from his forthcoming album due in October that is three years in the making (some songs predate the 2014 Grammy-winning Morning Phase). Cited influences include The Strokes and the Talking Heads, plus a yearning for communal hands-in-the-air concert moments.

14. “Slip Into Something More Comfortable – Psychemagik Late Nite Remix” – Kinobe

English electronic music duo Kinobe have been on the scene since 1998, most recently with remixes of the song “Slip Into Something More Comfortable.” Julius Waters and Dave Pemberton are known to take a ten-piece touring band out of the studio on the road in order to recreate studio compositions.

15. “In My Car”­ – Gold Panda

Gold Panda is a British electronic record producer, performer and composer who has performed since 2009. His recent third album, Good Luck and Do Your Best, is filled with ambient tracks such as the lilting tune “In My Car.”

16. “Reverence” – Hammock

Nashville’s Marc Byrd and Andrew Thompson use a combination of live instrumentation and electronic beats for their musical project since 2005, known as Hammock.  Its ninth album Everything and Nothing includes delicate ambient songs such as “Reverence.”

17. “In the Courtyard”  – CFCF

CFCF is the stage name of Canadian electronic musician and vocalist Michael Silver. (Based in Montreal, the name is derived from the city’s television station CFCF-TV.) “In the Courtyard” is a lovely drifting composition from its fifth album since 2009, On Vacation.

YouTube Playlist of Late Summer 2014 New Music Playlist Songs

The videos found on YouTube for my Late Summer 2014 New Music Playlist are a mix of the straight forward audio, filmed footage and showing the band playing the song, which is my favorite type. I plugged in live performances from my favorite online music stations and new tunes sources, KCRW (Vacationer's "Paradise") and KEXP (Eels' "Where I'm From"), as it's always a treat to experience live sessions.  The Orwells and Interpol videos present the groups in action, while Strand of Oaks is stripped down to just Timothy Showalter and his acoustic guitar. Britt Daniel of Spoon is seen driving along in an eery, apocalyptic world with a twist, Avigdor Zahner-Isenber of Avi Buffalo washes up on a beach only to be forced into office drudgery and Ex Hex chooses to rock along to some wacky food obsessions (deviled eggs!)

I did have to insert another song by Christopher Owens, "Nothing More Than Everything To Me." It's a more upbeat tune than "It Comes Back To You," but I do love the video. Owens revisits his youth and the sweet discovery of love. Enjoy it all here or on YouTube.

Late Summer 2014 New Music Playlist

Here’s another collection of music culled from recent releases to help keep the summer vibe going. Check out new songs from indie veterans Spoon, Interpol, The New Pornographers and The Shins along with new bands such as Jungle and The Orwells. Vacationer, Parquet Courts and Ex Hex bring the party atmosphere while Christopher Owens, Stand of Oaks and Tweedy (Jeff Tweedy of Wilco) craft a mellow musical vein. Click to listen here.

**EXTRA CREDIT IF YOU CAN NAME EVERY BAND WITH FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE LINEUP (ANSWER AT THE END OF THIS POST!)

1. “Can’t Do Without You” – Caribou

Canadian composer/producer Dan Snaith is ready with a sixth studio album since 2005 as Caribou, Our Love. His ready mix of dance beats, weighty bass lines and electronic wizardry is uncontested in this lead single and opening track for the album.

2. “Do You” – Spoon

Spoon returns with its eighth studio album, They Want My Soul, since the indie rock band was formed in Austin in 1993.  The five-piece includes a new member Alex Fischel (keys, guitar) but the gritty vocals of lead singer Brit Daniels still gives the music its edge, as witnessed in "Do You."

3. “Gold Silver Diamond” – Generationals

Ted Joyner and Grant Widmer make up the New Orleans-based indie rock duo Generationals, layering rhythms with stylized pop vocals for a distinctive sound.  "Gold Silver Diamond" is the first single off the fourth studio album since 2009, Alix.  

4. “Paradise Waiting” – Vacationer

Vacationer recently released a sophomore album, Relief, inspired by playing gigs for fans and being together on the road. The band is a collaboration of singer Kenny Vasoli, who imbibes every note with sunny warmth, plus Body Language's Matthew Young and Grand Wheeler. 

5. “Sunbathing Animal” ­– Parquet Courts

The fast-paced punk energy continues with NYC-based band Parquet Courts, back with a third album called Sunbathing Animal.  This searing rock tune is the title track of the new collection.

6. “From Now On” – Delta Spirit

San Diego's five piece indie rock group Delta Spirit delivers a true band aesthetic by writing together and recording everything live for its fourth album, Into the Wide. "From Now On" is the teaser single for the upcoming album. 

7. “Who Needs You” – The Orwells

The Orwells are a young five-piece rock band from the Chicago suburbs, writing about "anywhere USA" with wild exuberance.  "Who Needs You" is a single off the sophomore album called Disgraceland.

8. “The Heat” – Jungle

Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland comprise the London-based duo Jungle, a modern soul musical collective with a self-titled debut album. They expand to a seven-piece live band to bring the groove of songs like "The Heat" to the stage.

9.  “Hot and Cold” – Ex Hex

Power trio Ex Hex hails from Washington, D.C. This female group presents the basics, an "unapologetic Rock and Roll," as found in the single "Hot and Cold" from the upcoming debut album Rips.

10. “Brill Bruisers” – The New Pornographers

"Brill Bruisers" is the title track of eight-piece Canadian indie rock band The New Pornographer's sixth album since 1999. The signature, full-on vocals of the group create an instant celebration of the human spirit with soaring melodies and layered harmonies. 

11. “So What” – Avi Buffalo

Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg took four years to create his second album as Avi Buffalo, At Best Cuckold. The dreamy '60s pop influence saturates the songs again, as evidenced in "So What." 

12. “So Now What” – The Shins

The Shins' feature role in a Zach Braff film (Wish I Was Here) is reprised in "So Now What," gently reminding listeners why the Albuquerque band's indie cred remains intact. The song exists easily on its own merits, and yes, might just change your life.

13. “All the Rage Back Home” – Interpol

"All the Rage Back Home" is the solid opening track for NYC-based Interpol's fifth studio album since 1997, El Pintor. Singer Paul Banks takes over bass from the departing member Carlos Danger, and the group tightly rocks on.

14. “Where I’m From” – Eels

Prolific singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Californian Mark Oliver Everett (a.k.a. E) has released his eleventh full length album for Eels since 1996, The Cautionary Tales of Mark Oliver Everett. The introspective song "Where I'm From" draws the listener in while softly singing private thoughts. 

15. “Summer Noon” – Tweedy

Jeff Tweedy of Chicago band Wilco began a solo musical project with son Spencer on drums adding creative input to form Tweedy. This song "Summer Moon" finds that familiar world-weary voice over strumming guitar, from the new ablum called Sukierae.

16. “It Comes Back To You” – Christopher Owens

L.A. based musician Christopher Owens (former frontman of indie rock band Girls) has released his second solo album, A New Testament.  "It Comes Back To You" highlights Owens' warm voice and other-worldly artistic vision. 

17. “Woke Up To the Light” – Strand of Oaks

Strand of Oaks is the folk rock outfit by Timothy Showalter based in Philadelphia. The songs for a fourth album, Heal, came together after a horrific car crash where Showalter was forced to reexamine everything --  now contained in every note. 

18. “Pets” – Deadmau5

Deadmau5 is the stage name of Canadian progressive-house music producer Joel Thomas Zimmerman, who just released his seventh album since 2005. The airy instrumental "Pets" is one of 25 tracks (minus the mixes) on this two-disc album, which contains a continuous mix for each disc. 

DID YOU GUESS THREE BANDS?

1. TWEEDY -- FATHER & SON

2. PARQUET COURTS -- BROTHERS

3. THE ORWELLS -- COUSINS & TWIN BROTHERS!!!

BAM's Crossing Brooklyn Ferry 2013, Opening Night April 25 w/Highlights Video

As I've mentioned before, I like to be on time if not early for concerts.  Maybe this harks back to my days in high school musicals, when cast and crew had an early call before a performance.  But it's still nice to get there and get things sorted, from tickets, coat check and that first drink.  Well it turns out David Byrne feels the same way, as he saddled up to the empty bar right next to me to order a beer in the BAMcafé before the first night of Crossing Brooklyn Ferry.  I said hello and mentioned how I ran into him at last year and he said well sure, it was such a nice festival.  He pulled out a few of the pins with this logo out of a bowl and remarked how the bearded guy looked more like Karl Marx (it's supposed to reference Walt Whitman, as his poem inspired the Crossing Brooklyn Ferry name). He gamely put a few pins, providing a bit of color to his all white ensemble which made him easy to spot for the rest of the night, even in the darkened theaters.

With NYC's biggest music fan David Byrne

The solo piano of Timo Andres opened the three day event, with a poised selection of original and classical pieces. A fusion of Indian culture and jazz followed with Rudesh Mahanthappa's sax playing leading an ensemble through fiery improvisations.  It was then time for Porcelain Raft, who caught my attention last February, in the Howard Gilman Opera House.  Italian ex-pat Mauro Remiddi came out on stage with a guitar strapped on to his synth set up to launch into "Drifting In & Out." Remiddi may have been a lone presence on stage, but after starting loops and tripping beats, the music offered layers of sound to enjoy.  Less successful were simple tunes with guitar only, but the glorious acoustics in that space are always a treat. I ran into Remiddi out in the lobby later and asked why he did not play another favorite song, "Unless You Speak From My Heart." He confirmed what I surmised, that it did not translate well with a solo act, but he was honestly pleased that I had stopped him to say how much I loved his music.  

Paul Seymour -- Ready to Rock

Skipping between the next few shows was an interesting juxtaposition of Champagne Jerry, a send up of rap stars with video mash ups, and Julia Holter, a honest pure-at-heart songstress at her keyboards. I also caught a bit of Clare and the Reasons, a Brooklyn-based indie folk band in the BAMcafé, where the vocals were mixed at the same level as everything else, creating a muddled sound.  Maybe it was intentional, but I thought the singing could have soared above the instruments to great emotional heights. 

Another Brooklyn band, Parquet Courts, got some of the audience into the orchestra pit in the Opera House for a closer look at their youthful take on punk rock.  A wail of guitar distortion began the set, turning into a slow jam before the power chords began.  With strobe lights flashing, fast songs kept speeding up until a frenzy ensued and ballads could hardly called that.  The group presented a mix of old and new tunes, as "Stoned and Starving" provided an early highlight.  There was little banter beyond the announcement of the band's name and a request for "swirly lights."  In a particularly ironic moment, the band's slot was over before they could play another hit, "Borrowed Time."

With Mauro Remiddi

Opening night ended with a crazy energy thanks to The Roots, Philly's phenomenally talented hip hop/soul group (a.k.a Jimmy Fallon's house band).  Before the show, the orchestra pit and aisles were jammed with people and cheers greeted them as they entered the stage in darkness.  The eight-piece lit into their funky jams and all requests for "hands up" or various noise-making had the crowd responding right on cue. Familiar tunes such as "Jungle Boogie," "Sweet Child of Mine" and "The Immigrant Song" got The Roots treatment of rapid fire rapping with well-meaning expletives, tight grooves and extended improv sections.

As shining examples of the Tom Jackson's "On Stage Success" principles of performing in a band, members communicated non-stop with each other and the audience, trading places at the edge of the stage and even dancing together in a grapevine.  Fans were constantly asked how they were doing, as if every ecstatic response was simply not enough.  Questlove held court at the drum kit in back, a celebrity in his own right at BAM.  Virtuosity doesn't even begin to describe these musicians, and it's going to be great when they become a staple on the big stage of late night television as Jimmy Fallon takes over "The Tonight Show."  Photos and highlights video below.

Sean Yeaton of Parquet Courts

BAM lobby -- MERCH!

Brooklyn Brewery Tastings -- Did someone say FREE BEER??

The Roots

Black Thought of The Roots

Ready for 2013 Crossing Brooklyn Ferry @ BAM April 25 - 27

In preparation for this year's Crossing Brooklyn Ferry, I wrote two posts for BAM's blog about some of the local bands scheduled to perform.  The first post focused on Phosphorescent and Parquet Courts, two bands featured on my Spring 2013 New Music Playlist.  I heard Phosphorescent's "Song for Zula" many times on The Alternate Side, KCRW and KEXP during this past week, as the heartache in the tune seemed to match the anguish over the Boston Marathon bombings and the ensuing manhunt that followed.  (For another amazing example of the healing power of music, check out the full video feed of Neil Diamond's appearance at Fenway Park to sing his "Sweet Caroline" with the Boston Red Sox fans last Saturday.)  Parquet Courts make a nice counterpoint, with an in-your-face life force that only young punk rock bands can deliver.  

The second post featured Here We Go Magic and People Get Ready.  In a sign that I really like a band, I  chose two songs by Here We Go Magic for my Summer 2012 New Music Playlist, "Make Up Your Mind" and "How Do I Know."  Both songs offer a playful attitude over an infectious beat, and I'm really looking forward to seeing them live. People Get Ready is making a return appearance -- I caught this energetic group last year in the BAM Café.  Their quirky indie pop crosses over into performance art during live gigs, as a piece at New York Live Arts was recently highlighted by NPR music.  

For full schedule and ticket info visit CrossingBrooklynFerry.com.

Youtube Playlist of Spring 2013 New Music Songs

Here's some visuals for the latest Spring 2013 Playlist via YouTube.  It's always interesting to see what's available online to illustrate the list -- official videos, ones with lyrics provided for instant sing alongs, and live performances from the professional publicity events to fan filmed (check out the one of Toro y Moi in Moscow!) Cayucas' video for "High School Lover" was already featured on an earlier blog post but in context with the others it takes on another life. And The Shout Out Louds have posted a video with snippets of their entire CD, so take a listen to it all or find the song "Circles" at 8:50.

Spring 2013 New Music Playlist

The groundhog predictions were just plain wrong this year as snow stayed in the forecast, along with the cold weather, through the first day of spring.  At least there was plenty of new music to dig through with new albums by Toro y Moi, Frightened Rabbit, Phosphorescent, and Youth Lagoon, to spice up the continuum of life indoors.  Teaser singles from upcoming albums featuring The Flaming Lips, Fitz and The Tantrums, and Phoenix also kept music fans longing for spring, while new bands Parquet Courts, Cayucos and Painted Palms reinforced the seasonal theme of renewal.  Link to listen here. 

**EXTRA CREDIT IF YOU CAN NAME EVERY BAND WITH BROTHERS IN THE LINEUP (ANSWER AT END OF THIS POST!)

1. "Sun Blows Up Today" -- The Flaming Lips

Oklahoma’s own house band, The Flaming Lips, keep the party going with this latest psych rock experiment, which debuted on the Super Bowl as a Hyundai ad.  This single provides a blast of fun from the upcoming thirteenth studio album, The Terror.


2. "Rose Quartz" -- Toro y Moi

Chaz Bundwick of Toro y Moi decided to indulge in R&B and 90s house music influences for his third album, Anything In Return.  His smooth delivery still gives off the chillwave vibe he’s known for, even in this varied context.


3. "High School Lover" – Cayucas

This Santa Monica based quartet knows firsthand about that sunny California mindset pervading their music, layering their pop tunes with ambient party noise and other samples to keep things interesting. “High School Lover” is a tale of unrequited teenage love from their upcoming debut album, Bigfoot.


4. "Out of My League"-- Fitz and The Tantrums

Fitz and The Tantrums are back after their retro sound and constant touring caught the ear of many new fans.  This single from their sophomore album, More Than Just a Dream, expands the sound to incorporate 80s synths while threatening to bury Fitz’s stellar blue-eyed soul voice.


5.  "Borrowed Time" -- Parquet Courts

Brooklyn based band Parquet Courts brings a resurgence of punk attitude in their debut album, Light Up Gold.  Inspired by the NYC bands before them, the quartet charges through songs with a no holds barred approach to vocals and raucous rock performance.


6. "Weird Shapes" -- Surfer Blood

West Palm Beach alt rock quartet Surfer Blood is getting ready to release their sophomore album, Pythons. Singer John Paul Pitts lets loose in a yelping chorus, describing the song as an individual's manic episode (which unfortunately might remind fans of the domestic battery charges filed against him last year).


7. "Circles" -- Shout Out Louds

Swedish indie pop quintet Shout Out Louds return to the music scene with their fourth album, Optica.  The instrumental crunch of synths introduce this dreamy tune set in a 80s dance groove.


8. "The Woodpile" -- Frightened Rabbit

Singer/guitarist Scott Hutchinson is responsible for yet another heart on the sleeve story highlighting his honest, earthy delivery.  The Scottish indie rock quartet recently released their fourth studio album, Pedestrian Verse.


9. "Song for Zula" – Phosphorescent

Alabama native Matthew Houck, now based in Brooklyn, has been recording under the name Phosphorescent since 2001.  This song is from his fifth album of indie folk infused with a rock music sensibility, Muchacho.


10. "Entertainment" – Phoenix

French alt rock quartet Phoenix is returning since 2009’s breakout Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix with album number five, Bankrupt! After an Asian influenced intro, singer Thomas Mars commands another signature soaring chorus, instantly reminding fans of the band’s appeal.


11. "Click" -- Painted Palms

San Francisco based duo Painted Palms released this track as part of a preview for their upcoming debut album, Carousel.  The tune crafts an indie pop treatment of introspective, interwoven vocals over a percussive foundation.


12. "Dropla" -- Youth Lagoon

Idahoan Trevor Powers of Youth Lagoon branches out from personal shoegazing to low-fi conceptualizations of metaphysical musings, along with some ascribed pop music influences.  This floating meditation is from his sophomore album, Wondrous Bughouse.


13. "Trojans" -- Atlas Genius

Australian indie rock quartet Atlas Genius creates tightly formed pop songs with an infectious vengeance.  This catchy single is a solid introduction to their debut album, Through the Glass.


14. "Sacrilege" -- Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Alt rock trio Yeah Yeah Yeahs have served as a point of pride for New York City since 2000.  This single from their fourth studio album, Mosquito, adds a gospel choir as the only really appropriate background singers for the majestic voice of singer Karen O.


15.  "Photon"-- Pantha du Prince & The Bell Laboratory

German electronic music producer Hendrick Weber, a.k.a. Pantha du Prince, has teamed up with Norwegian percussion group The Bell Laboratory to layer chiming bells over his synth universe.  The resulting collaboration is Weber’s fourth studio album under this moniker, Elements of Light.


16. "You Were Afraid" -- Night Beds

23-year-old Nashville native Winston Yelten writes spare songs late at night and it shows. This is the first tune he wrote (at age 18) as Night Beds, dealing with the bittersweet realization that a relationship would soon end.

DID YOU GUESS 4 BANDS?  (IT COULD BE 5 IF WAYNE COYNE’S BROTHER MARK WAS STILL IN THE FLAMING LIPS!)  BONUS POINTS FOR ADDING TWINS AND THREEPEATS…

1. PARQUET COURTS
2. FRIGHTENED RABBIT

3. CAYUCAS -- TWINS
4. ATLAS GENIUS -- THREE OF THEM!!!