The February 2010 CD Release
After a month of posting songs up on the facebook page, compiling a CD's worth of all new music was pretty easy and it's safe to say that every song is spankin' new. There were a lot of fun surprises with the month, Danger Mouse shmoozing it with James Mercer to create Broken Bells, or the past ChipperDemon featured band, the Muslims re-emerging as the Soft Pack.
A note on the mix: I'd say overall the CD has an undertone of TV on the Radio and stays pretty close to the "indie" genre, making it in some way, a bit monotonous but hip, none-the-less. Some of the highlight bands from the mix are La Roux, Broken Bells, and because she's just so damn cool, Janelle Monae.
Tracklist as follows:
2. Cult Following - Bluebrain (lyrics)
Cult Following by Bluebrain. Bluebrain, formerly the Epochs, is said to sound a little like TV on the Radio, which I can hear. I think they've got more of an electro sound, though.
3. Promises - The Morning Benders (lyrics)
'Promises' can get kind of lost within the mix of other songs due to its lulling effect, which is a shame because it really is a wining song. "I know this won't last a second longer than it has to" is a line that will charm you again and again.
4. Broken Horse - Freelance Whales (lyrics)
Weathervanes, Freelance Whales' debut album that released this month is fairly reminiscent of Iron and Wine. Their sound isn't new, but it is pleasant.
5. Little Lion Man - Mumford & Sons (lyrics)
'Little Lion Man' by Momfurd & Sons has been getting quite a bit of attention lately. The single off of their upcoming album has one Paste Magazine journalist gushing about the song 'getting her' while the track was a pick of the week over at Spin Magazine. I'd say the attention is worth it.
6. What's In It For - Avi Buffalo (lyrics)
The line, "You are tiny and your lips are like little pieces of bacon" made my day yesterday. Otherwise, the Avi Buffalo track, 'What's In It For?' (off of their debut self-titled album coming out in April) has a whiny overall tone but the satire and lazy guitar mostly make up for it.
7. Life Magazine - Cold Cave (lyrics)
Not among the newer songs on the mix, 'Life Magazine' has an undeniable beat that it is hard not to enjoy. "I'm not going back" will chant you through the song bobbing all along.
8. I'm Not Your Toy - La Roux (lyrics)
A little more for the ladies, this track is so freakin' catchy. Listening through Hype Machine I ended up hearing about 3 different versions of this song and then this exact song several times in a row, and I loved every second of it. Almost impossible to sing along to, it's just hip swaying, forebrow crinkling 'cause your singing so hard good. La Roux also has a few other awesome songs such as, "Bullet Proof."
9. Twenty Two - Wakey!Wakey! (lyrics)
'Twenty Two' is off of Wakey! Wakey!'s latest album, Almost Everything I Wish I'd Said the Last Time I Saw You. It's pretty catchy, so listen with caution.
10. Be Brave - The Strange Boys (lyrics)
I love the sound of this track. The lyrics are nothing to get philosophical about but between the Beach Boys guitar sound, the lead singer's voice, and the chorus background; I can't help but bop to this song.
After an epic hiatus, Archie Bronson outfit is releasing their latest album, Coconut, on March 23rd. 'Shark's Tooth' is their released single off of the album; sounding like some of their delicious older works.
With a mix of OutKast reminiscent music and a pop diva voice, Janelle Monaé's 2010 album is already ruling the pop circuit. this is a fairly catchy track, prepare for head bobbing.
13. Wrong - Mr Beasley (lyrics)
Mr Beasley is definitely a fun find. The tracks 'Wrong' and 'Right as Rain' have such a delightful ring to them, it's hard not to fall in love with this United Kingdom duo.
14. Answer to Yourself - The Soft Pack (lyrics)
The Soft Pack have gotten quite a bit of attention, and 'Answer to Yourself' is almost a hate love song. It's just a little too typical sounding, yet so perfectly so that I can't help singing along.
15. Vaporize - Broken Bells (lyrics)
'Vaporize' is one of the debut singles off of the James Mercer and Danger Mouse collaboration entitled, Broken Bells... which explains why it sounds so much like the Shins. The album is supposed to release in March. Definitely worth a listen.
Paste Magazine included Sigur Rós's frontman, Jónsi's new solo effort-ed single, 'Go Do' in their 'Seven Great Snowy Music Videos'... and for how wintery February has been, it seems quite fitting.
17. Forest Green Oh Forest Green - Holly Miranda (lyrics)
The complexity of this song, both lyrically and musicly, are what bring this track it's great strength. This is one of those songs that could probably play twice or even thrice before you would notice it's on repeat.
18. Heaven Can Wait - Charlotte Gainsbourg and Beck (Grizzly Bear Remix) (lyrics)
The original version of this track is good but when I heard the Grizzly Bear Remix I actually thought that I was mistaken the first time and that THIS was the master version, it was so good. Then again, it's hard not to like most things linked to the name Grizzly Bear these days.
