Don't Forget To Dance

The Avett Brothers - “Kick Drum Heart” (from I And Love And You)

Now, I realize I am totally late to the game with The Avett Brothers, as some fans are already deeming their new Rick Rubin-produced, major label debut I And Love And You as evidence of them selling out. (Clearly their efforts to gain a larger audience have worked, as I am blogging about them now.) I’ve been aware of them for a while, but I don’t know how or why I’ve never bothered to listen to their previous work, considering I have a clear weakness for most any music that could be labeled as “Southern” or features banjos. Regardless, I am catching up, and most pleasantly surprised by what I’ve heard so far.

I And Love And You is full of both catchy pop songs (like the above-mentioned “Kick Drum Heart”) and soulful ballads (like the title track). If you’re unfamiliar with their previous work, I highly suggest you check them out, and if you’re already a fan, don’t write off this album as merely a sell-out. I’m still kicking around with it, but I think it could be included with some of the year’s best. I look forward to discovering what their previous efforts contain, if this latest is any indication.

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down - When We Swim (from Know Better Learn Faster)

One of my most anitcipated releases of 2009 is Know Better Learn Faster by Thao with the Get Down Stay Down.  Her 2008 album, We Brave Bee Stings and All, was my favorite release of last year, and I’m delighted that we’ll be treated to another album from her already. I could gush for hours about how much I adore Thao (including how I think we could be best friends and drink tea and discuss feminist theory and scour thrift stores together), but that might be a little psycho.

From what I’ve heard off her new album, she brings a new urgency and edginess to her indie folk-pop, reportedly the result of recent heartache.  Whatever the reason, Know Better Learn Faster is shaping up to be one of my favorite releases of this year, solidifying Thao as one of my very favorite artists. Clearly, this is just a giant love-fest for me, so if you haven’t heard Thao, I highly suggest you run out and do so.  She’s vocally unique, quite talented lyrically, and I truly think she offers a refreshingly different sound.

(Know Better Learn Faster will be released on October 13th.)

Harlem Shakes - “Sunlight” (from Technicolor Health)

Here in the lovely Great Lakes area, the weather has quickly turned brisk and gray.  Since I’m stubbornly hanging on to any remnants of summer, I thought I would post a song that brings a little sunshine.  “Sunlight” is off of Harlem Shakes’ first full-length album, which is full of bright little pop songs.  While Technicolor Health may not be groundbreaking per say, it is quite fun, which is plenty good enough for me. 

(Don’t listen to the lyrics of this song too closely, however; they mention something about not dancing.  That would just be ridiculous.  Never forget to dance, friends.)

Basia Bulat - “Gold Rush” (from the upcoming Heart of My Own)

Basia Bulat is an artist that missmaggie and I discovered separately and then gushed over when we found out the other was a fan, probably to the annoyance of our husbands and close friends.  So I know at least one other person will be excited to hear that this Canadian songwriter is coming out with her second album in January of 2010.  That is a ways away, but she’s released this song as a tease.  If you’re not familiar with her, you should check out her debut album Oh, My Darling. It’s not just for members of the cute-smart-girl-club.  I promise.

Fitz and the Tantrums - “Don’t Work It Out” (from Songs for a Break Up-Vol. 1)

I was all set to post a different song today when I heard Fitz and the Tantrums on the radio and was instantly entranced. (Thanks to KEXP for once again being the source of great new music.)  Very much in the same vein of Mayer Hawthorne that Miss Maggie posted earlier in the week, they are a Los Angeles based band fronted by a man named Fitz, and they specialize in retro soul and Motown pop. 

I never got on the Amy Whinehouse/Adele/Duffy train, so I wonder why this retro male pop is much more appealing to me?  Maybe I just like slick men in spiffy suits. Fitz songs sound shiny and big, but they’re tempered with plenty of heartache, and I highly suggest you check them out.

The xx - “Islands” (from their self-titled debut)

The xx are a young British four-piece that this said blogosphere is all a-buzz about. The hype seems warranted this time.  The alternating male and female vocals hook me more than some of the other moody, down-tempo bands that have been popular this year. And I believe they’re all like 19 or something, so let that make you feel very old while listening.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - “Carries On” (from Up From Below)

My go-to album for the past few weeks has been Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.  This whole hippy coven may seem totally contrived, but the music delivers, full of jangly guitars and rousing choruses.  Basically, it’s what I wish Devendra Banhart sounded like when I saw him. 

“Carries On” is a favorite track off the album (although it’s a little hard to pick).  It starts off slow, so stick around.  It’s worth it.  It almost makes me want to put flowers in my hair and skip barefoot through the grass. 

Monsters of Folk - Say Please

Considering that My Morning Jacket is my favorite band and that I rate M. Ward and Bright Eyes pretty high as well, it should come as no surprise that I was pretty excited when I read about the upcoming collaboration, Monsters of Folk.  Jim James, Conor Oberst, M. Ward, and some other guy comprise the folky supergroup, and their debut album is due out in September.  You can download the first single, which primarily highlights Oberst on vocals, as long as you remember to say please.  I like it, and I’m definitely looking forward to hearing more.

Deer Tick - “Friday XIII” from Born On a Flag Day

Even though Brian Williams has beat me to the punch, I’ve really been digging the new Deer Tick album, so I thought I’d post about it here.  Born on a Flag Day is full of rootsy rock and country ballads.  Although Deer Tick do not expand much on a traditional genre, I think they’ve perfected their sound on several songs on this album.  “Friday XIII” is my favorite track; it’s a lovely duet with fellow Providence-based singer Liz Isenberg.

Bonus:  If you haven’t heard the song “Ashamed” off their debut album, you should.  It’s the song of theirs that first captured my attention last year.