Don't Forget To Dance

“She’s Long Gone” from The Black Keys’ Brothers

(In honor of their super literal album cover…)

The Black Keys released a new album today.

Its name is Brothers.

It’s a straight-up blues album.

I think it kicks a whole lot of ass.

Avi Buffalo - “What’s It In For” (from Avi Buffalo)

Avi Buffalo, lead by Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg, are a group of talented youngsters whose sound eclipses the fact that most of them have not yet reached the legal drinking age. They play a brand of classic indie-pop that I’m confident most folks here at DFTD will appreciate. Their songs reference Built to Spill, The Shins, and other bands of the like, but they still manage to sound fresh. Check out their self-titled debut, which is out now on Sub Pop.

Local Natives - “Wide Eyes” (From Gorilla Manor)

It occurred to me today that we have not yet posted on Local Natives, which is a bloody shame because they’re fantastic.  Gorilla Manor is the debut, and if you have not yet procured a copy of it for yourself then you damn well better.  Their sound is a little orchestral pop, a little afro-pop, highly percussive, and drenched in beautiful, three-part harmonies.  My music collection is not exactly small, but this one album has been playing on repeat in my house for weeks.  Get around to it.

“Let’s Go Get Stoned” by Joe Cocker

HAPPY HOLIDAY!

It’s been a while. I haven’t forgotten you. I hope you haven’t forgotten me. I will return again soon. In the meantime, do as Joe Cocker says.

When you work so hard all the day long
And everything you do seems to go wrong
Just drop by my place on your way home
Let’s go get stoned

“Lemon World” - The National (from High Violet)

Their previous album, Boxer, made me fall head over heels in love with The National, so I’ve been foaming at the mouth a bit at the prospect of their newest release, High Violet.  (It’s not due for release until May 11th, but you can get your hands on it early if you’re scrappy and don’t abide by hard and fast rules of right and wrong.)  And from what I’ve heard, High Violet is probably going to be a firm contender for one of my favorite albums of 2010.  They aren’t necessarily breaking new ground here, but when a band can produce such beautiful, well-crafted songs as these then why mess around with the formula?  Get excited for it, folks.

Sleigh Bells - Crown on the Ground

Howdy kids. I’m shaking off my hermit ways to assure you I’m alive and I have been listening to music. One band I’m particularly excited about is Sleigh Bells. You very well may have heard of them, as they’ve been building major buzz after  last year’s CMJ and this year’s SXSW festivals. MIA is putting out their debut album, Treats, on her label in May.Sleigh Bells are a delicious combo of loud, noisy, girly, electronic pop. But don’t just take my word for; listen to MIA. I’m betting their debut lives up to the hype.

“Promises” - The Morning Benders (from Big Echo)

I’m on vaca so I’m keeping this uncharacteristically brief (for lo, brevity is not one of my strengths), but I’ve finally gotten around to giving the new The Morning Benders album a proper listen and am finding it to be pretty freaking terrific.  And not just the first two singles either - from front to back Big Echo is full of catchy chamber pop, laid- back chill vibes, and a great many hidden delights that ensure it will grow on you with each subsequent listen.  Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor is a co-producer, a fact that becomes glaringly obvious by the time you hit “Pleasure Sighs”, and yet it’s not at all derivative.  In fact, it’s pretty legit.

In short, I like it.  And if you’re a fan of Grizzly Bear, The Shins, et al, then I’m bettin’ you’ll probably like it too.

Dr. Dog - “Unbearable Why”

Considering the album is set to release in a couple days, I suppose I’m a little late sharing this, but Dr. Dog’s got a new album and it can be listened to in its entirety here.  Enjoy.