Late Summer 2020 New Music Playlist

Listen on Spotify, enjoy!

1. "You're Not Alone" – Semisonic

2. "Through the Trees" – Phantom Planet

3. "Carousels" – Doves

4. "For Sure" – Future Islands

5. "No Distraction" Khruangbin Remix – Beck, Khruangbin

6. "Idaho" – Slow Pulp

7. "Wildfires" – SAULT

8. "Feel You" – My Morning Jacket

9. "Distant Axis" – Matt Berninger

10. "Ordinary Guy (featuring the Mattson 2)" – Toro Y Moi, The Mattson 2

11. "To R." – Father John Misty

12. "Love is All We Share" – Cut Copy

13. "Surreal" – Dan Croll

14. "All Visable Objects" – Moby

15. Will You Return/When You Come Down" – The Flaming Lips

16. "America" – Sufjan Stevens

Summer 2019 New Music Playlist

Listen on Spotify, enjoy!

1. "Saw Lightning" – Beck
2. "No Bullets Spent" – Spoon
3. "Fade In Nylon" – A Beacon School
4. "Lava"– Still Woozy
5. "Heartbreak" – Unloved
6. "You're Not Always On My Mind" – Quivers
7. "Raspberry Jam" Allah-las
8. "Do Si Do" – Jenny Lewis
9. "Calm Down" – Pete Yorn
10. "Easy" – Tycho
11. "Rylan" – The National
12. "Elixir" – Tourist
13.  "Entendre" – Eluvium
14. "Sleeper" – Trentmøller
15. "Love Yourself" – Sufjan Stevens
16. "I Am OK" – Lea Porcelain
17. "Pattern 16" – Jamison Isaak

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

Romantic Songs Playlist for Valentine's Day 2017

Time to indulge in some romantic songs to provide a soundtrack for a sweet Valentine's Day. Here are some perfect tunes from the past year on my latest playlist, along with others that recently appeared on my radar or in my memory as worthy of revisiting. The playlist begins with the seductive vocals of Earth, Wind & Fire honoring the death of founder Maurice White – which made 2016 a heavy year of losses along with David Bowie, Prince and George Michael. This band was the thankful antithesis of teenage angst for me and my classmates in high school, and their music has certainly stood the test of passing decades. From there, other favorite singers are represented in song; like the sound of a loved one's voice, they are intimately connected in my musical life forever.

Listen to my Romantic Songs Playlist for Valentine's Day 2017 on Spotify here.  For further inspiration, visit my posts from past years: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012.

1. "That's the Way of the World" – Earth Wind & Fire
2. "'Cause I'm a Man" – Tame Impala
3. "Whatever, Wherever" – Band of Horses
4. "No Surprises" – Radiohead
5. "The Soul Serene" – Villagers
6. "True Affection"  – Father John Misty
7. "Bring My Baby Back" – Dr. Dog
8. "1959"– Hamilton & Rostam (featuring Angel Deradoorian)
9. "Just Say Goodbye" – Wilco
10. "One Thing" – Beach House
11. "Hold On To Me" – Mondo Cozmo
12. "No Time to Crank the Sun" – EL VY
13. "What Part of Me" – Low
14. "Should Have Known Better" – Sufjan Stevens
15. "I Don't Want to Let You Down" – Sharon Van Etten
16. "My Sad Captains" – Elbow
17. "No Hard Feelings" – The Avett Brothers

New Song "Should Have Known Better" by Sufjan Stevens (Album Due March 31 & NYC Tour Dates April 11, May 1, May 2)

Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens has released a second single from his upcoming album, Carrie & Lowell (due March 31 via Stevens' Asthmatic Kitty Records). This song, "Should Have Known Better," is a sweet return to his roots in sound and substance. He sings in that expressive tenor about the "magical age of three," as my own thoughts drift back to when my daughter talked about 'babyland' where she frolicked with others before coming to earth and my son had two imaginary friends at that age. The collection is named after Stevens' own mother and stepfather, eleven songs about life and his personal struggle to make sense of the beauty and ugliness of love.

The last album, The Age of Adz, was full of electronic blasts and multi-layered instrumentation. Not to say I didn't love this amped up collection, as it landed on my Top Ten Releases of 2010 and a tour stop at the Beacon Theater that year is on my list of Top 25 Concerts of all time. It's just that I appreciate this acoustic side of the artist as well.  Take a listen here or on YouTube (where you'll also find the first single, "No Shade In the Shadow of the Cross"). Stevens will be touring in support of the new album with stops at The Beacon Theater April 11 and at the new Kings Theater in Brooklyn May 1 and 2. For more information about the tour and more, check the website carrieandlowell.com.

New Compilation Album -- Red Hot + Arthur Russell (Due October 21)

The Red Hot Organization has released over fifteen compilation albums since 1989, as part of its dedication to fighting AIDS through pop culture. I was able to thank founder John Carlin firsthand during an interview for this ingenious method of supporting a worthy mission, one that continues to haunt those of us who watched friends with the disease given a death sentence during the 80s and 90s. The latest album will pay tribute to Arthur Russell, part of the music scene in NYC's East Village during that time until his untimely death at age 40 in 1992 from AIDS-related causes. He was a talented cellist, pianist, and singer, who easily shifted from classical to folk and disco when composing. 

Red Hot + Arthur Russell (due October 21 via Yep Roc) features 26 tracks by more than 20 artists. It includes many faves from my New Music Playlists: Hot Chip, Sufjan Stevens, Phosphorescent, Junip's José González, Devendra Banhart, Arcade Fire's Richard Reed Parry and Neon Indian's Alan Palomo (as VEGA INTL). Hot Chip is a perfect fit for one of Russell's dance tunes, as witnessed in a preview video showing some behind the scenes recording of "Go Bang."  Check it out along with the track list below, and add this album to your list for fall listening.

Master Mix: Red Hot + Arthur Russell Tracklist:

1.     Jose Gonzalez – “This Is How We Walk On The Moon”

2.     Lonnie Holley – “Soon-To-Be Innocent Fun (Interlude)”

3.     Robyn – “Tell You (Today)”

4.     Hot Chip – “Go Bang”

5.     Sufjan Stevens – “A Little Lost”

6.     Lonnie Holley – “In The Light Of The Miracle (Interlude)”

7.     Richard Reed Parry, Little Scream, Sam Amidon, Colin Stetson & Sarah Neufeld – “Keeping Up”

8.     Liam Finn, Ernie Brooks + Peter Zummo – “This Love Is Crying”

9.     Rubblebucket + Nitemoves – “Eli”

10.   The Revival Hour – “Hiding Your Present from You”

11.   Sam Amidon – “Lucky Cloud”

12.   Devendra Banhart – “Losing My Taste For The Night Life”

13.   Phosphorescent – “You Can Make Me Feel Bad”

14.   Blood Orange – “Is It All Over My Face & Tower Of Meaning”

15.   Scissor Sisters – “That’s Us/Wild Combination”

16.   VEGA INTL. – “Arm Around You”

17.   Oh Mercy – “Planted A Thought”

18.   Lonnie Holley – “Hop On Down (Interlude)”

19.   Cults – “Being It”

20.   Richard Reed Parry – “Just A Blip”

21.   Glen Hansard – “I Couldn’t Say It To Your Face”

22.   Thao & The Get Down Stay Down – “Nobody Wants A Lonely Heart”

23.   The Autumn Defense – “Oh Fernanda Why”

24.   Alexis Taylor – “Our Last Night Together”

25.   Lonnie Holley – “The Deer In The Forest (Interlude)”

26.   Redding Hunter – “Close My Eyes”

Song Cycle "Planetarium" Arrives at BAM March 21 - 24

Photo courtesy the artists

Make your plans now for "Planetarium," the U.S. premiere by Bryce Dessner, Nico Muhly and Sufjan Stevens, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) March 21 through 24.  Dessner is best known as the guitarist of The National, as well as the curator the new indiefest Crossing Brooklyn Ferry, which will return to BAM April 25 through 27.  Muhly is a prolific composer of operas, choral and orchestral pieces, as well as film scores (including 2008 Oscar Best Picture nominee The Reader). He recently created music for the new production of Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie, garnering rave reviews up in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Stevens has composed albums full of indie folk before recently embracing electronica for music on his label, Asthmatic Kitty Records.  Together the three friends found a project where they could contribute equally -- no phoning it in by emailing each other files.

I recently wrote an article about the piece for the BAMbill program, and I interviewed both Muhly and Dessner.  I didn't realize how much the composers had worked on each other's projects over the years, from Muhly's orchestrations to Stevens' stage appearances and Dessner's guitar in recordings.  They also all have strong ties to BAM and that was the first place they thought of for this U.S. premiere.  The first half of the performance features pieces by each contributor: Muhly's "Diacritical Marks 1 - 8," Stevens' "Enjoy Your Rabbit" arranged for strings, and a string quartet by Dessner.  "Planetarium" brings the collaborators on stage for the second half with the string quartet, a drummer and trombone section.  Stevens' fragile tenor hovers over the instruments, reflecting about the heavens as a 16-foot orb receives film projections by visual artist Deborah Johnson.  Check out the performance video below or on YouTube here, and for further information about tickets visit bam.org.

Paste Holiday Sampler 2012 - More FREE Music!

Another music sampler was posted by Paste Magazine this week -- 21 holiday songs for the asking of email and zip code (see embedded box, handy huh!)  As with all compilations, it's a great way to spark an interest in a band and there are plenty here I've never even heard of.  Most of it is a little too sleepy for my taste, but I enjoyed digging into the offerings.  It all begins strong with a Sufjan Stevens song, the sweetly simple "Christmas In the Room" and I chuckled through the CAKE-like "Uncle John" by similarly named Jonathan Couton and John Roderick.  (Also the moniker of my one and only Uncle, plus there's a line about how Cousin Jane "always cries anyway." True fact!)  One of my favorite hymns makes an appearance as well, Bethan's lilting "In the Bleak Midwinter." Then there's a fun call out session that everyone could use, a hopeful "Everything's Gonna Be Better Next Year" by The Rescue.  Go for it...

New Sufjan Stevens Holiday Songs on NPR's "First Listen"

Photo: Denny Renshaw via NPR

Sufjan Steven has released another collection of holiday songs, Silver & Gold, which is now streaming online until next week on NPR's "First Listen" program here. It includes over fifty songs spread over approximately three hours: Volumes 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 to continue 2006's Songs for Christmas.  I received those CDs as a suitable and welcome gift, complete with a fold out poster of a cartoon on one side then an awkward "family portrait" photo with Stevens on the other plus a songbook with lyrics, guitar chords and a personal story called "Christmas Tube Socks." Stevens recalls how he came to love Christmas after the choas of growing up in a overly creative household. "Over time, in the midst of everyday life, I completely forgot all about Christmas and how much I hated it." 

The songs were first gifts to himself and others, time spent with friends in traditional sing alongs and then dispersed as presents.  Stevens is a deeply religious artist whose ordeal with a life threatening illness was exposed throughout his last release, The Age of Adz. (One of my picks in Top Ten Releases of 2010 and his concert at The Beacon Theatre that fall was a Top Concert Experiences of 2010.)  This foray into electronica may have confused fans of his indie folk on earlier releases, 2004's Seven Swans or 2003's Greetings From Michigan and 2005's Chicago, part of a planned series about all fifty states that was ambitious at best.  Silver & Gold returns to the holiday spirit in both genres, while finding room for all age renditions of favorites as well (for example a craft project take on "Jingle Bells" or straight forward belting in "We Wish You a Merry Chrismas"). There's even a rockin' "Mr. Frost Man" along with appropriate nods to Santa and snowy weather. But the endearing a cappella hymns can catch a modern listener off guard, with their not quite perfect harmonies and heartfelt individualism. Even a Grinch's heart might grow in size.

BAM Video of Logos with Sufjan Stevens Soundtrack

The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is celebrating 150 years by continuing its devotion to the performing arts plus films, art exhibitions and even a commemorative, coffee table book.  A new theater, the BAM Fisher, has been added to the stable of spaces, a flexible, black box space with an emphasis on Brooklyn artists.  A recent video created by staffer Ben Cohen celebrates the many logos throughout the storied history of this organization, along with photos of dancers galore over music from The BQE by BAM regular Sufjan Stevens. It begins with a favorite shot (by James Klosty) of one of my most beloved modern dance icons, Merce Cunningham, which reminds me of seeing his company there during the final Legacy Tour just last December... another night to remember at BAM. 

Favorite Holiday Tunes Playlist I (2011)

Happy Holidays!  Here's a playlist of not-so new faves that I actually love hearing every year, beyond the usual standards playing everywhere you go.  Happy to revisit the many Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby songs plus the offering of each Beatle: Ringo's fun party of "White Christmas," Paul always the happy family man with "Wonderful Christmastime," John's emotionally-charged political statement of "Happy Christmas (War is Over)," and George's voice giving out though still such a gift of the soul in "Ding Dong, Ding Dong."  Plus I find the 1972 duet of "Little Drummer Boy" by Bing Crosby and David Bowie intriguing, moving and odd all at the same time.  And I can't help but sing along to Wham's 80s hit "Last Christmas." 

This curated listen is culled from my CD collection (!) when a compilation disc from MTV or various record labels was the greatest gift of all -- keeping me sane through many seasons of overindulgence. Back then you couldn't Google a band discovery and even to this day I have no idea who/where/what Local H is but I'm thankful for their track that starts things off.  It also made for many a fun jam in the basement with me on drums...

Link to listen here, enjoy!

1. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" -- Local H
2. "I Wish It Was Christmas Today" -- Julian Casablancas
3. "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)" -- The Ramones
4. "Winter Wonderland" -- Phantom Planet
5. "Merry Christmas Baby" -- Hanson
6. "Christmas Wrapping" -- The Waitresses
7. "Little Drummer Boy" -- The Dandy Warhols
8. "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" -- Weezer
9. "The Christmas Song" -- Weezer
10. "Snowball" -- Jimmy Fallon
11. "Father Christmas" -- The Kinks
12.  "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" -- The Polyphonic Spree
13. "Frosty the Snowman" -- The Jackson 5
14. "Hey Guys! It's Christmas Time!" -- Sufjan Stevens
15. "It's Christmas! Let's Be Glad!" -- Sufjan Stevens

10+ Concert Highlights of 2010

Happy New Year! Just one more list before moving on... I was so lucky to get to see some great concerts this year (thank you again Moogfest!) Many were with bands I've been a fan of for years, what a treat. I also enjoyed the choice of warm up bands just as much as the main act such as when Beach House presented a sweetly inspired set before Vampire Weekend and The Dodos hit the stage with their explosive sound before The New Pornographers. It was a fun trip down memory lane as I remembered each and every song -- ready for more in 2011!

1. Fitz & The Tantrums, Mercury Lounge, NYC (May 28th)
2. The Dodos/The New Pornographers, Terminal 5, NYC (June 19th)
3. Rufus Wainwright, The Ridgefield Playhouse, CT (August 6th)
4. Beach House/Vampire Weekend, Radio City Music Hall, NYC (September 17th)
5. MGMT, Moogest, Asheville, NC (October 29th)
6. Jonsi, Moogfest, Asheville, NC (October 30th)
7. Hot Chip, Moogfest, Asheville, NC (October 31st)
8. The Dears, The Kitchen, NYC (November 4th)
9. The Dandy Warhols, Webster Hall, NYC (November 6th)
10. Sufjan Stevens, The Beacon, NYC (November 15th)
11. Cake, Irving Plaza, NYC (December 8th)

Top Ten Releases of 2010

I am still avoiding reading about other ‘top ten’ lists -- got mine together so I can start seeing what other people think! Actually, this list was submitted to PopMatters for their year end compilation, where I was thrilled to have my vote count along with all the other music bloggers on the site. Some people still refer to collections of music created and published by bands/artists as albums or CDs but I’m trying to get used to referring to them as releases. That's what is really happening: a song is let loose online as an entity with others, or to pick and choose from as singles. In no particular order here are my favorites from 2010, a great year in music with these picks enjoyed many times over and lots of opportunities to see the bands in concert. When I did buy the physical CD, many times I was disappointed with the lack of lyrics and liner notes. (Why offer a booklet of artwork only?) But I'm ever grateful for the heavy toil of rehearsing and production hours, so I can't get that upset. The music is clearly what it’s all about.

1. The Suburbs/Arcade Fire

This third offering from the popular indie band was one of the strongest collections of the year. Some complain that musically things seem more calculated, but there’s still lots of originality throughout. Watching their show from Madison Square Garden live online was one of the unexpected highlights of my year – I just didn’t expect to enjoy the energy of band so much sitting in front of a computer screen. It’s also where I learned that Will Butler is just as important to the band as his frontman brother, Win Butler.

2.Congratulations/MGMT

Seeing this band was another highlight of my year even though their show at Moogfest in Asheville, North Carolina felt more like a rehearsal run through. It was somewhat lackluster beyond a standard lightshow. However, poring through this sophomore song cycle many times after it appeared last spring was a real treat. It's complicated at times and some of the over-the-top experimental tracks lost a few fans, but what's wrong reaching for something new?

3. Teen Beach/Beach House

Chill wave and dream pop became buzzphrases thanks to bands like Beach House. This duo from Baltimore prides itself on making music to make out to and from the first layered chord you can easily see where they get that label from. Lush soundscapes are the goal while moody effects create the foundation -- another musical genre is born. They warmed up for Vampire Weekend at Radio City this year and showcased the hall's excellent acoustics with a spare but mesmerizing stage show.

4. High Violet/The National

This fifth release from the Brooklyn band originally from Ohio is its most commercially successful by far. Solid songwriting has always been part of the plan but the brooding baritone of Matt Berninger picks it up a notch to allow some more melodic playfulness in some of the tunes. I learned how seriously he takes his frontman duties seeing him rev up the crowd at the Brooklyn Academy of Music last spring. Plus the opening line of Bloodbuzz Ohio has to be one of the sexiest lyrics ever.

5. This is Happening/LCD Soundsystem

Producer James Murphy has stated that this is the last release under the current band set up but I'm guessing there's plenty more in store for their fans. The wry lyrics, killer beats and layered tracks instantly create another fun dance party with every listen. I'm sure the party will continue with whomever he decides to invite along.

6. Transference/Spoon

Spoon's seventh release is self-produced, though it doesn't necessary show in every song. The band is still just as edgy with a solid, tightly knit group sound, but now and then things get a little self indulgent. This is not always a bad thing.

7. Contra/Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend came out with a strong sophomore release, with more of the same mash-up of genres and themes close to home – traveling privileged lives which took them to Mexico and beyond. During their tour they were also all business, recreating their carefully crafted tunes but since everything sounded great it was hard to complain.

8. Gorillaz/Plastic Beach

This was the most anticipated release in my book (or blog?). The five year wait was over with an extended track list boasting many stellar collaborations. Funky grooves, a children's choir and hard-to-pigeon hole sound remained true to their cause, and the fact this group no longer hides behind a scrim at gigs was a welcome change.

9. Sufjan Stevens/Age of Adz

That Sufjan Stevens would veer toward electronica was another pleasant surprise of the year. Folky leanings were given an futuristic update, with danceable tunes and cascades of complicated sound. His concert was also a highlight, with easy banter about songwriting, a dozen musicians on various instruments, and background dancers (who he even joined now and then!)

10. Broken Bells/Broken Bells 

Danger Mouse teamed up with James Mercer of The Shins to create this band after meeting backstage years ago. The sensibility of a hip producer brought the laid back vibe of Mercer's vocals into a trendier place and it's full of musical ideas for all.

Late Fall 2010 New Music Playlist

As soon as I finish one of my playlists, I start another. This one began in mid-October with a few songs then it sat for a bit until I had the opportunity to go to Moogfest in Asheville, North Carolina. This three-day festival was full of names I couldn’t wait to see, ones I had barely heard of and others worth exploring (see tracks by The Octopus Project, Devo, Caribou, Neon Indian, and Jonsi). Add in a few new releases and all of sudden another lengthy playlist was ready to share -- lots to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.  Link to listen here.

1. "Fuguefat" -- The Octopus Project
This full throttle song kicks off this Austin based group's fourth release, Hexadecagon. The indietronic band specializes in high energy instrumentals like this one which draws you in instantly for a wild, fun ride. (See my interview posted below for more info!)

2. "Total Life Forever" -- Foals
The Foals are five guys from Oxford, England with a bent towards the catchy yet complex compositions. This song is off their second release of the same name. It delivers simple sing-a-long lyrics over a driving beat and adds in hand claps just for fun – irresistible.

3. "Mind Games" -- Devo
4. "What We Do" -- Devo
Yes it's been twenty years since anything new from Devo, but you sure can't tell by these songs. The original energy in the synth-driven beats remain intact with tongue fully implanted in cheek. Their new release, Something for Everyone, is a party not to be missed.

5. "Odessa" -- Caribou
Caribou is the brain child of Daniel Victor Snaith, a prolific Canadian musician who also embraces the indietronic label. This melodic maze over an infectious groove is the opening track off his latest release, Swim.

6. "Coquet Coquette" -- Of Montreal
This band from Athens, GA has been exploring the psychedelic side of indie pop since 1994 with a raucous party of a stage show at every stop on tour. The lyrics border on crass insanity but they're always second to the sound presented. The song is off the latest release called False Priest.

7. "Should have Taken Acid With You" -- Neon Indian
8. "Deadbeat Summer" -- Neon Indian
Texan band Neon Indian is part of the new chillwave musical movement with fuzzy chords in a laid back vibe. They also grab samples as they see fit to provide a backbone to a song or merely as a reference. (For example, Deadbeat Summer contains a snippet of Todd Ruddgren's "Izzat Love?") These two selections are off their debut release from a year ago, Psychic Chasms, which has been gaining steam ever since.

9. "Desire Lines" -- Deerhunter
Deerhunter is a four-piece band with roots in Georgia and solid indie rock credentials. This melodic creation of layers is off their fourth album released earlier this fall, Halcyon Digest. Frontman Bradford Cox provides a soundscape over a drumbeat that expands into a dreamy song about childhood.

10. "Angela Surf City" -- The Walkmen
East coast indie rock band The Walkmen released their sixth studio album with this single about the same time. The quintet favors vintage instruments and dreamy buried vocals which speak of life's disappointments with earnest poetic yearning.

11. "Reservoir" -- Real Estate
12. "Out of Tune" -- Real Estate
These two songs are part of a mini-release from this band that calls themselves psychedelic surf pop under the indie rock label. It’s a bit bolder than anything so far, which brings a welcome burst of confidence. The quartet was originally from New Jersey but are now based in -- you guessed it -- Brooklyn.

13. "Get Real Get Right" -- Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens has composed this song for his tenth release called The Age of Adz, which delves into electronica along with the many other styles he's known for, from folk to art rock. He can play banjo, guitar, and drums as well as piano so there's always has an interesting use of instrumentation. Having bounced back after serious viral infection last year has only heightened the value of spiritual themes in his compositions.

14. "Go Do" -- Jonsi
15. "Sticks & Stone" -- Jonsi
Jonsi strikes out on his own for these solo project recordings, the first off his release Go and the second from the soundtrack of the magical movie, How to Train Your Dragon. Without the comfort of his band Sigur Ros and now singing in English, Jonsi is challenging himself while his musical gifts are up for grabs.

16. "Heretofore" -- Megafaun
The easy going sound of this trio from North Carolina by way of Wisconsin infiltrates this track off their mini-CD of the same name (their third release). They list "everything and everyone" as influences as the laid back layers invite all to relax and listen.

17. "Pieces" -- Villagers
Villagers is an Irish band fronted by Conor J. O'Brien whose soulful singing illuminates the dark lyrics. This song is off their second release, Becoming a Jackal.

Sufjan Stevens @ Beacon Theatre NYC, Nov 15th

Sufjan Stevens (pronounced Soof-yan) has a new release out called Age of Adz (pronounced odds) and a tour which brings it all to life. With a dozen musicians, this new foray into electonica became a bold expression of the human condition. On the second/final night in New York City at the exquisitely restored Beacon Theatre, Stevens confidently led the group through his songs from front/center stage, playing banjo, synths and guitars as needed. He went through several costume changes, silvery neon outfits that evoked space suits, while singing the melody with the occasional choreographed gesture to match the background singers who he referred to as the “Solid Gold Dancers” at one point. The three women were certainly shaking it enough to qualify, that’s for sure. Easy banter filled the spaces along the set list, as Stevens touched on subjects as disparate as physics, prophecy and musicology. A huge video screen on the back wall was as busy as the performers on stage, projecting energetic cartoon drawings, patterns of lights and films of people moving wildly. Props such as streamers, beach balls and balloons gave the evening a playful aspect throughout.

The show began with the subdued “Seven Swans,” an older song from a release by the same name in 2004. Stevens then launched into his latest collection, introducing them to the crowd as songs about “death and life.” The crunch of percussion in “Too Much” provided the foundation for layer upon layer of sound design, forming a kaleidoscope of sound swirling around the musicians. “Age of Adz” ends in an uplifting, echoing, angelic chorus of Gloria, with Stevens leading the choir in exaltation. A dance party kicked in during the twenty-minute plus version of “Impossible Soul” toward the end of the show, as people in the orchestra left their seats to groove between the rows. Earlier in the song, Stevens tipped over a snare drum and had to kick at his effects pedal to get his guitar ready for a solo so the audience was eager to show their appreciation. Balloons fell from the ceiling and hopped around as they were batted about. The carnival atmosphere continued happily until the band left the stage. Then the place rocked with applause until the encore, a full on rendition of “Chicago” -- Stevens’ beloved song from “Little Miss Sunshine.” A cartoon of the Volkswagon bus from the movie hovered above, echoing the journey taken throughout the evening.

Video off my digital camera after the party started, dancing with a camera isn't easy...

Video of the encore by PaulTSeymour who was across the room with all the balloons (lucky!)