Best of August, 2014

So Long Summer 2014

Late last night our annual trip to the Low Country (Hilton Head Island, SC to be exact) came to an exhausting end.  14 hours in the car will test anybody I assure you.

But the batteries are charged.  Relaxation was achieved.  Alcohol was most certainly consumed.

Fall must bring some sort of cleanse.  I don't think I am much of a juice diet or fad diet guy.  My willpower is pretty non existent for that matter.

Nonetheless, this summer was a rather gluttonous one.  Autumn, my favorite season, provides an opportunity to make some changes.  Some say Spring is the season full of optimism.  I view fall as equally so.  We are sending our children back into classrooms- hopeful that they will achieve all we did not, or best case, find something they love.

College campuses hosted their first football games over the weekend.  For a moment each team thinks this is "their time."  The pros will kick off this weekend.  As I write this NY Jets fans still believe!  That is true optimism.

Here in the Northeast a chill will soon fill the air most evenings.  Leaves will become majestic displays of color.  

Somehow, deep within, we collectively find a way to prepare for winter, which can be bleak and uninspiring.

Here is hoping you and your family find peace and happiness as the summer fades into memory.

As we look ahead, allow me just a moment to reflect.

Let me preface by saying Hilton Head, and the rest my summer travels were amazing.   Seriously though, who cares?

It's more fun to discuss the minutia that most often invades my juvenile mind.

First, since when is this thing acceptable at the beach?  And yes, I understand folks are concerned about protecting themselves and their children from the suns harmful rays.  But damn!  These things are big!!  As someone who basks in the sunlight (due mostly to Italian/Mexican/Who knows what kind of lineage) any umbrella is obtrusive.  But I can live with the old school umbrellas.   For the most part they provide endless entertainment.  Often times helpless dad, or grandfather if you visit Hilton Head,  efforts like crazy to get the umbrella upright.  They dig, they screw, they sweat to get that post in.  Depending on the quality of umbrellas there are mixed results.  If a strong wind blows the umbrellas can go airborne.  Most commonly the umbrella will turn itself inside/out.  If you spend enough money and have used the proper labor, these things can withstand gale force winds.  But even then you never know- which makes it exciting.

The best part is a personal umbrella does not require an immense footprint.  OK, it's a public beach, I get it.  But there has to be a limit, no?

That is, at what point is enough enough?  What's next?  Pop up campers?  Trampolines?  Given the vast space our beaches offer, perhaps we can have allotted areas for these eye sores?  Lifeguards confine certain areas of the surf for safety reasons.  Why can't we do the same thing here?  Call it "Tent City" for beach goers.  I want to look at the Ocean- bad enough I am putting up with...

Too Big?  Too intrusive?

Which brings me to point # 2.  This ain't Europe.  Keep a damn bathing suit on your kids.   Allow me to name some places where your child's nudity is acceptable.  Your home.  Ok thanks.  Let's move on.

Speaking of kids, is it now the norm to put floaties on children's arm?  Is this quality parenting or lazy parenting?  I think you know my vote.  Get in the damn water with your kid and teach him/her to swim.  He/she looks like a friggin tool with those things anyway.  You know what cool looks like.  Walking into the ocean hand in hand with mom or dad, smiling ear to ear, and taking on a wave.

You listening parents?  Maybe not, cause you were staring at your smart phone and didn't even see your kid run off.  That might also explain why you set up you and your giant tent RIGHT next to my spot.  Did you notice all the room on this beach?  Nope.  I forgot, it's your World.  We are merely pawns.

By all means, enjoy your cigar, crank up your boom box, drink your wine from a thermos, and enjoy the day.  

With all that nonsense, we still did.  Life is too short to let your ignorance ruin a good time.  That does not mean we aren't watching (and keeping score.)

My girl and I had a 320 hit rally- can you beat that???


   

The Fall is also a great time for Entertainment.  The fall TV season kicks into full gear.  In these parts that means a steady dose of family viewing- Amazing Race, Survivor, and The Biggest Loser.  Yeah, I know, super queer.  It's cool, judge all you like.  God knows I do.

Movie studios will be rolling out all their Oscar fare in the coming weeks too.  For a look at what Fall film has to offer take a look at Stephen Whitty's column.   No one does it better.

And their is music, sweet music.  Alt J, Weezer, and Foxygen have new records due out soon.  The CMJ music fest will invade NYC Sept 17-20.  

As for this blog, we will continue to update all the best songs, artists and live acts we can get our ears/eyes on.  The upcoming schedule includes stops at Webster Hall (Bleachers/the aforementioned Foxygen/Ty Segall) and Asbury Lanes (Orwells/Skaters.)  We have been toying with getting our nostalgia on too (Eagles and Fleetwood Mac at Prudential Center.)

Get updates here: Guide to Somewhere and find me on Spotify to get the Best of 2014 (so far.)  The tracks below are the latest additions.  Enjoy!

Frankie Rose and Drew Citron are Beverly

Beverly "You Can't Get it Right"

This surf inspired track seems like either the best (or worst way) to begin the list.  Sure summer is over, but we can always think of it fondly.   Female duo led by Drew Citron and Frankie Rose are Brooklyn based.  Citron plays live for Rose and is here the ringleader.  This is a lo-fi romp with great melody and an infectious beat.

George Ezra "Budapest"

It is hard to keep track of all these Euros invading our airwaves and concert halls.  Without thinking too much I can think of Frank Turner, Sam Smith, King Krule, Vance Joy (ok, he's Australian, but that kinda counts), Ed Sheeran, Hozier (Irish), and the crooner du jour, George Ezra, to name a few.  Ezra is 21 and has all the poise and delivery of a man much, much older.  These kids are mature beyond their years.  Like the other names on this list there isn't much original to the presentation.  But  sometimes a simple song, delivered effortlessly, is all you need.  

Jeff Tweedy "Wait For Love"

Mr Tweedy knows a little something about making difficult things look easy.  His band Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is one of American music's finest achievements of the past 25 years.   His influence on the alt country World can not be measured.    Here he leaves his bandmates and brings along his son for another clinic in writing, whistling, picking, and singing.

Foxygen "How Can You Really"

After a tumultuous but highly entertaining ride with their 2013 record, it was widely assumed Foxygen (Sam France and Jonathan Rado) would implode.  They scorned the press, sometimes showered their audience with irate rants, and essentially played the parts of tortured artists unable to translate their talents to the mainstream.  Turns out they have been off making another record (due 10.14.)  The first single is a bouncy, horn filled departure from the moody-psych sound of last record. France appears more like Chris Owens (late of Girls) then the hippie we last saw a few years back.  Has he changed?  Have they?  Stay tuned.

Clean Bandit "Rather Be"

English electro-pop, plain and simple.  Sometimes all you need is a good groove.  This song, a favorite of my 12 year old daughter, is the one summer song that required NO thinking but provided many smiles.   Apologies Iggy, Nicky, Taylor, Adriana, et al.

King Tuff "Eyes of the Muse"

Subpop recording artist King Tuff (nee Kyle Thomas) will release their 4th record Black Moon Spell on September 23rd.  The guitar on this first single has the easy going feel of 70s AM Gold.  After spending all day yesterday listening to the radio I was reminded how much I love that era.  Think Little River Band, Fleetwood Mac, America, Dan Fogelberg, Gerry Rafferty, and the like.  The vocals are decidedly 2014- but the overall vibe is reminiscent of earlier times, in a great way.

Bear in Heaven "Autumn"

Last year a friend dragged me to see Brit relics Wire at Bowery Ballroom.  The headliners did not impress.  Thankfully we were smart enough to get to the venue early to see the New York synth band Bear in Heaven.  With a dearth of Bear bands- Grizzly, Panda, Hands, et al, it is easy to overlook these kids.   Their sound is decidedly NOT suitable for radio play.  Their songs can be ambient and jazzy.   Their latest release, Time is Over One Day Old, was just released and it is a real treat.  I remember talking to the band after that show, and after a few drinks telling them they were my favorite "bear" band.  It was perhaps an exaggeration, but they are worthy of some attention.

Interpol "All The Rage (Back Home)"

Another New York band, Interpol, has had a far different trajectory than Bear in Heaven.  They have been making music together since 1997 and are regarded as the elder statesman in the resurgence of the New York indie music scene (along with The Strokes- who apparently they have a feud with...)  Their fifth studio record, El Pintor, is out 9.8.14.  Paul Banks baritone is still as solid as ever.   While I would not consider myself a devotee I would concede Interpol is an essential part of the the Indie music canon.  It is good to see them back on the scene.  Better still that what they have created sounds great.

Bernhoft "Come Around"

I found this song on Palladia's music video show.  Since MTV hardly shows music it has become a staple on my DVR.  Bernhoft is a Norwegian singer/multi-instrumentalist who released his third LP, Islander, this year.  His voice is soulful like Sam Smith.  This track is an up tempo pop song.  While the video sucked me in, Bernhoft's positive disposition kept me around.  Hope you feel the same way.

New Pornographers "Brill Bruisers"

Vancouver, BC indie darlings are back with their 6th LP, Brill Bruisers, released in late August.  Like Interpol, the alt community reveres them as innovators and influential alt pioneers over the past 15 years to so.  Daniel Bejar's vocals are unique and engaging.  The title track is a good introduction to who they are.  Bombastic guitars, big drum fills, and an overall celebration of rock.  That has been their recipe for success their whole career.  Why stop now?

 

Foxygen, MHOW 10.22.13

Foxygen, MHOW 10.22.13

"Cold Winter, brought to you by Hot Summer" was one of the many non-sequitors Sam France uttered at Tuesday nights packed concert at Brooklyn's MHOW.

France, and Jonathan Rado, are the duo behind Foxygen.  They are, quite simply, a jubilant and eccentric collection of personalities, talents, egos...  Well, that's just it.  They cannot be defined "simply."

"Partly truth/partly fiction...  a walking contradiction."  Those lyrics, written long ago by Kris Kristofferson, seem to capture the essence that is Foxygen.

Are they the band that flaked out and cut several shows short at last years SXSW? 

Or are they the ambititious go-getters who announce not 1, but 3 forthcoming albums?

They have had a Yoko Ono moment over the past few months.  

France broke his leg jumping off a monitor earlier this year forcing the cancellation of their fall tour.

That was then.  They may have saved their best, for last in 2013.  It centered around 2 nights in New York City.  Late October nights too: which meant a Halloween theme.  Rado took the stage first, in a mad scientist outfit (with the name "Dr Love" on his lapel.)  His high hair and pale complexion made the outfit quite convincing.  He played with some knobs and set the mood for whatever the hell was coming next.  A zombie janitor on guitar...  a mummy behind the drum kit...  and France, the master of ceremonies, was a spot on Beetlejuice.  "It's Showtime" he dead panned.

Indeed it was.  This will most likely put a bow on shows promoting their trippy, groovy and aptly titled We are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic.  With all the controversy, in-fighting and overall drama it might be best for these chaps to get back in the studio and see if they can make continue to make things work.

Because when things are working- like Tuesday night- things are pretty freaking cool.

The boys are clearly inspired by the 60s mod movement.   "On Blue Mountain", with its bold organ, screeching vocals and laid back bass line, traces its roots to The Stones circa 1968.   France's theatrics, here helped with an electronic walking cane, are also a nod to Mick Jagger.  He was limited due to lingering effects from his leg injury, but he gamely roamed the stage.  He likes the eyes on him.  Tuesday he was overly thankful for those in attendance and any sort of rock star attitude was replaced with sincerity and a fun loving vibe.

Peace, magic and some funky rock and roll.  Theatre, goofiness and playful irreverence.

Two of the finer moments were mid set.  First, the bands live interpretation of "Shuggie" was a stand out.  Their first single, released way back in January, allowed the band to show off a bit.  France and Rado changed the momentum of the song in all the right spots.  From one moment it was gospel sing-a-long.  The next, guitar happy jam fest.  It was hard to contain a smile and the crowd ate it up.

"No Destruction" was important for other reasons.  Mainly, the lyric "You don't have to be an as*hole anymore/You're not in Brooklyn anymore" appears in it.   Also, the song is a timeless gem.  1965 meets 2013.  Naturally the crowd (mostly non-Brooklyn as*holes) loved the shout out.  And let's be honest, Brooklyn, although awesome, can be kinda pretentious.  Foxygen knows that.  They are too!  If you can't laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at?

For a night Foxygen will be remembered for all the right things.  They may be wondering if they can do every gig in costume.  Maybe they can be a cross between GWAR and The New York Dolls?

Who knows if that will happen?  Or if they will indeed head to the studio to make 3 more records.  Hell, if they break up tomorrow no one will be surprised.

Like a great many bands working today the future is tenuous, at best.

Why should they be any different?  

Sam France as Beetlejuice, Jonathan Rado as "Dr Love"

The projected images of skulls and Keith Haring like creatures were amazing!

Best of April, 2013

Savages

Please excuse the tardiness.  Tis true, the calendar does indeed say May, 2013.  That said, this new crop of tracks should more than make up for the delay and provide plenty of happiness as the summer approaches.  Add these tracks to the already impressive March, February, and January lists, press play and enjoy.   The list can be found here on Spotify too.

Wild Belle "Keep You"  Chicago born siblings Eliot and Natalie Bergman released their debut record, Isles, in March.  That, and this single, which has a little ska/reggae feel to it, is about all the information you need to know for now.  The jury is most certainly out on the long term staying power of this act.  What is certain is this song is pretty darn cool.

Caycucas "Cayucos"  Seeing double?  It's like Bad Company singing "Bad Company."  The band, another sibling act, this time twins Zach and Ben Yudin, are from Santa Monica, CA.  The sound, is all about the left coast.  Their debut LP, Bigfoot, was released LP.  There are hints of Beck as well as newer surf/mood rock alt favorites Local Natives, Grizzly Bear and Beach Fossils, to name a few.  

Savages "She Will"  All female, British post-punk rockers who have gathered quite a bit of buzz during the early part of 2013.  Their debut record, Silence Yourself, comes out tomorrow, 5.7.13.  This single owes a lot to early the Edge and early U2 and even more to Patti Smith and the NYC punk scene of the late 70s.  No video for this song yet but you can see them perform "Husbands" from the Jools Holland show here.  One, super hot seeing chicks rock out.  Two, why on Earth does the US not have a show like Jools Holland live?

Foxygen "No Destruction"  This is the second track from these flaky, psychedelic newcomers.  Last we heard from duo Jonathan Rado and Sam France they were shouting at concert goers at SXSW in Austin and canceling their European tour "for the creative health of the band."  Sometimes too much attention, too soon, can be a very bad thing.  The fact is their LP, the pretentiously titled We are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic, is a must have.  This track would fit neatly into an early Bob Dylan record and features the best lyric of 2013:  You Don't Have to Be an Asshole/You're Not in Brooklyn Anymore.

Biffy Clyro "Black Chandelier"  This is a confusing one.  The Scottish act released their 6th(! who new??!!) record, Opposites, earlier this year.   This single plays like a Incubus, or Bush, Stone Temple Pilots, or other 90s alt rockers of that ilk, track.  At first you want to dismiss the holy hell out of it.  Then you see the video and the images/styling are not AT ALL what you expected the band to look like.  So. Freaking. Weird.  But for some reason you start humming the damn thing when you least expect it.  Then you look forward to hearing it on the radio.  It wears you down damn it.  That is a recipe for success, right?

Wavves "Demon to Lean On"  More post-punk.  More music played by children for adults.  More left coast rock and roll.  Another group who released a record earlier this year, Afraid of Heights (March.) For those who like Everclear, or Local H, or maybe even Green Day (except Nathan Williams voice won't make you puke.)

Orwells "In My Bed"  Ok, this song is a few years old.  But most of you haven't heard it before.  And wait for this...  these kids graduated high school a few years ago.  They make Wavves (who were born in 1986) seem downright geriatric.  Illinois kids with a few chords and plenty of bang for your buck.  They too would fit into the post-punk theme this column has taken on.  Fun fact, the lead singers name is Mario Cuomo.  Another fun fact:  it is super queer to write or say fun fact.

Gospels "Animal Feelings"  A little bit of Band of Horses, a little bit of Portugal, the Man, a little bit of that same neo-surf that has taken over the alt landscape.  Here is the real surprise- these guys are from a borough in NYC and it ain't Brooklyn!!  Forest Hills, Queens thank you very much.  They are releasing a debut EP this spring that shares its name with this easy going and feel good single.

Waxahatchee "Peace and Quiet"  Holy cow does this sound like a Liz Phair song.  90s angst as sung and performed by Philly girl (by way of Alabama) Katie Crutchfield.  You should know she too has a twin who she once performed with.  That makes 3 acts on this list with siblings (2 of which are twins.)  She split from her sister to focus on a solo career.  From that we have this no frills, alt country Cat Power meets Beth Orton meets Suzanne Vega meets, ok, you get it.  How many alt songstresses can you name of the top of your head?

New Politics "Harlem"  Straight forward dance rock.  Punk meets pop that brings to mind The Offspring and more recently Neon Trees.  Not much to say other than turn it up and have some fun.

Serena Ryder "Stompa"  It's fun to pick tracks that totally unnerve my better half.  Typically those songs appear on the Sirius XM station "The Spectrum."  That channel plays to my more sensitive tendencies.  Adult contemporary and all the soft things in between make up their programming palette.  Adele and Paul McCartney are staples.  So too are any songs by woman who play guitar and repeat the same lyric over and over again.  Ryder hails from Toronto and fits this mold perfectly.  She won a Juno award (like Arcade Fire!!) for her work up North.  I could have chosen ZZ Ward's "Put the Gun Down",  Emeli Sande's "Next to Me", or worst of all, Vicci Martinez's "Come Along."  Much to her chagrin Ms Ryder gets this column's approval.  Does it get yours?

Keep on following, commenting, and listening.  Become a Fan and check in here for daily/weekly updates.

                                                                         

Vacation, All I ever wanted...

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs

It's been admittedly quiet here at the blog this "Spring."  Winter has not let up, both in weather and aggravation.   Between work, school, coaching, and the altogether miserable experience of buying/selling a home, trivial posts on music, politics and entertainment have gone unwritten.  That is far from a complaint though.  Tis what it tis.   Although I do enjoy the catharsis writing provides.  Here then is an attempt to get back into it.

Music is once again on the agenda.  Maybe its the sunny day, or promise of a pending vacation, or just an overall feeling of calm that brings a smile to this authors face.  Who cares how it got there?  Here is hoping it stays.

Mortality is an ongoing theme in my world this week.  There was an impromptu trip "home" mid-week as a loved one underwent major heart surgery.  Then yesterday the news that Roger Ebert passed.  North Korea and the diminutive new leader seem hell bent on inflicting unprecedented harm too.  It is all so delicate.

This week I spent time fondly remembering my childhood and looking forward to my future, both immediate and long term.  More often than not music provides the inspiration.  With less than 24 hours until wheels up on a long overdue vacation, and motivated slightly by Paste Magazine's Best of 2013 (so far), please take a look/listen at the 2013 Springtime Super Mix.  As always it can be found on Spotify if you subscribe.

Have a great weekend all and catch ya'll in a week or so.

Violent Femmes "Add It Up"  Long live the 80s!  On long drives I find myself listening to 80s on 8.  For every bad Phil Collins or Billy Ocean song, there are gems too.  This one brings to mind Suzuki Samurai joy rides to high school football games, fall foliage, first kisses, and innocent times.  Funny, since in 1983 this was an anti-innocent song.  Hard to believe this track is 30! years old.

Cayucas "Cayucos"  While not technically the same name, it is darn close.  It's kinda like Bad Company singing "Bad Company."  That bugs me for some reason.  The song however is super groovy.  This buzz band from the left coast releases its debut record in the coming weeks.  Get to know them,

U2 "Heartland"  More nostalgia.  Thoughts of 25th St Budco cinema to watch Rattle and Hum.  Thoughts of pretentious lead singer Bono, not pretentious philanthropist Bono.  Quite simply an amazing rock and roll love song.

Waxahatchee "Peace and Quiet"  A few chords and a big voice can go a long way.  This has a 90s attitude (think Liz Phair, PJ Harvey, Cat Power.)  Will be on many top songs of the year lists when 2013 is over.

Joe Jackson "Breaking Us in Two" Jackson's 1982 record Night and Day remains one of my favorite of all time.  It/he is one of the only performers my dad and I agree on.  He must have played "Steppin Out" a thousand times on the 33 I bought him for Christmas.  This track is the real stand out.   Sadness and harsh realities here folks.  Sometimes there just isn't a happy ending.  But the song is evidence of superlative songwriting.

Billy Clyro "Black Chandelier"  I am still somewhat on the fence here.  I hate the intro.  His voice sounds much like Brandon Boyd from Incubus (who I can't stand!)  The image in the video is NOT how I pictured the band.  There are a lot of questions.  Yet, when I hear it I don't turn it off.  And in my darkest moments I may even hum along.  I submit, I suppose.  You?

English Beat "Save It For Later"  Cheeky British ska done to perfection.  Nuff said.

Foxygen "No Destruction"  These West Coasters cancelled their European tour after a mini meltdown at last months SXSW.  It ain't easy to handle the rigors of making music these days.  Tours. Press. Tours. Press.  It never ends.  They have but one album that has been received more than favorably and they are finding the waters rough.  All that being said this track is darn good.

Icicle Works "Whisper to A Scream (Birds Fly)"  In the infancy of music video all you needed was a sound stage, wind machine, and fake leaves.  Does the drum beat sounds an awful like Bow Wow Wow's "I Want Candy?"  One of the most underplayed and underrated songs of the decade.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs "Sacrilege"  Karen O plus a gospel chorus?  Karen O with some 70s style Curtis Mayfield guitar fills?  The song is one thing...  the sexually charged video is quite another.  Their new LP is weeks away from release and this song has established itself as one of the years best.

The GoGos "Vacation"  Cause I am on one...  effective, NOW!!


added bonus:  Hate the song, but need your input. Why is this being played???

Too Early for Best of 2013?

Mark Oliver Everett.  A Man called E

This January has felt, in many ways, like the better part of a year.  There has been a lot of times spent in sick beds, gyms and cars.  The good news is plenty of music has entered my mind.  2013 is shaping up to be another terrific year in music.  Ther are records from Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Strokes, Dawes, Eels and Caveman among several others expected to arrive soon.  This on the heels of new Tegan and Sara, Joy Formidable and Lisa Loeb that are already on record store shelves today.  OK, Lisa Loeb might be a stretch.  Same goes for record stores, eh?

In an effort to eliminate the mad rush at the end of the year this blog will attempt to list 10 or so tracks every month that should be on your portable MP3 player.  What, you still listen to cd's?  Then how the hell did you end up here?

In no particular order here we go.  Full disclosure:  Some of these songs/albums were released last year.  Let's not get all critical on the timeline, um k?  I am a 40 year old married father who works full time, takes care of a 10 year old, and coaches a youth sports team.  I think I do pretty darn good keeping up with the Hipsters.

Foxygen "San Francisco"  West coaster Jonathan Rado is said to be fascinated with the Brian Jonestown massacre.  The band of course, not the Jim Jones massacre that band stole its name from.  Either way we will not hold any of that against him and his pop/psychedelic outfit with its own tricky name.  Dreamy pop inspired by all those things listed among others.

Pinback "True North"  San Diego indie rock from this act that has been recording since 1998.  For fans of Grizzly Bear and any other of the new surf, dream pop that has flooded (pun intended) the indie airwaves for the past few years now.

Tegan and Sara "Closer"  Calgary identical twins who have really taken off.  When it was announced they were headlining not one, but two shows at NYC's Beacon Theatre it was a bit surprising.  That is where the Allman Brothers play??!!  This song is a pure delight and these kids seem to be ready for that stage and many like them.

Lord Huron "Time to Run"  Another California act on this list.  Coincidence?  Another psych rock act too.  They will be playing 2 nights late in February at Brooklyn Bowl.  If you have not a) gone to that venue or b) heard this act, you should c) do yourself a favor and do both!

Divine Fits "Would That Not Be Nice"  You like Spoon do you?  Lead singer Britt Daniel is the voice behind Divine Fits and that is a very good thing.  Groovy is the easiest way to describe this track.

Ra Ra Riot "Beta Love"  Syracuse, NY rock/dance/pop act who just released their third record last week.  It shares its name with the track listed here.  There will undoubtably be Passion Pit comparisons and that is fair.

Eels "New Alphabet"  E is back with a new LP Wonderful Glorious and more importantly a corresponding tour (which lands in NYC 3.1.13.)  Fans of this blog know that his importance can not be understated on the indie music scene.  He is all things to everyone.  Or, at least, he is to this author.  A more important rock and roll songwriter, performer and man does not exist over the past 20 years.  Case closed.

Titus Andronicus "In a Big City"  These kids from New Jersey are fond of covering the Stones.  They have a great sense of humor and are self deprecating.  Oh, and they make wonderful music themselves. This is the single with the most legs from last years acclaimed record Local Business.  Their band name will serve as the first Shakespeare reference in this post.

Youth Lagoon "Dropla"  San Diego's Trevor Powers is the man behind the weird name.  His music is dreamy and soft as evidenced by his breakout 2011 record The Year of Hibernation.  A new record is forthcoming and this is the first single.  Hope you dig it as much as I do.

Papa "Put Me To Work"  Gee Whiz!!  Another LA band.  That makes 5 out of 10 on this list.  Note, E from Eels spends a lot of time out there too.  Just when I want to hate California more they go and bring these talented acts and songs.  Anyway, not much on these kids other than a pretty rocking tune.  Enjoy it and all the rest.

What have I missed?  What are you listening to that has you excited?  Anything you cannot wait to hear?  Share the knowledge, spread the wealth, and keep on listening/reading/smiling.

Honorable Mention:

Taylor Swift "I Knew You Were Trouble"  Ms Swift is the butt of many jokes.  She dates too much.  She breaks up too much.  She is "never, ever, ever" gonna get back together with any of the long list of guys.  But like Rhianna's "Diamonds" this track is hard to dislike.  The video is easy to hate.  A more pretentious opening you will not find!  The dialogue makes the exchange Paula Abdul and Keanu Reeves shared in "Rush, Rush" sound like the Shakespeare.  She is the reigning pop princess and this is her crowning achievement, for now.  Long live pop.