Don't Forget To Dance

Major Lazer - Hold the Line (featuring Mr. Lexx and Santigold)

Major Lazer is a new collaboration from DJ/producers Diplo and Switch, which specializes in dancehall reggae with a variety of guest vocalists.  On paper, this is not something that would necessarily interest me much, but in reality I cannot deny the danceability of the first single “Hold the Line”.  Perfect for a Friday afternoon office dance party.

AND, in case you were wondering, the character Major Lazer is a Jamaican commando who lost his arms in the great Zombie War of 1984, and had them replaced with lasers by the U.S. goverment.  Take that, zombies!!!

Portland Cello Project - Tallymarks (featuring Thao)

The Portland Cello Project is a group of 8 (or more) cellists that are known for their covers and collaborations with other artists.  Their most recent album features new arrangements of several songs by Thao Nguyen, who put out one of my favorite albums of 2008.  Even prettier versions of Thao songs?  It’s love, kids.  The song featured here was originally on Thao’s first album, Like the Linen.  I hear there’s going to be a joint tour too- here’s hoping they hit Ohio or Michigan. 

Wood Pigeon - “Piano Pieces for Adults” (from Treasury Library Canada)

Woodpigeon is a Canadian band that makes delicate, hushed ballads and love songs. Fans of Sufjan Stevens, Iron and Wine, or Will Oldham will appreciate their music. Some versions of their 2009 release Treasury Library Canada only contain 14 tracks, but the digital version has an overwhelming 24 tracks. I’m not sure if this is a must-have album- some of the tracks veer towards overly precious or boring- but there are several gems on it, including “Piano Pieces for Adults”.

Wilco - “I’ll Fight” (from the upcoming Wilco (The Album))

Wilco’s new album, Wilco (The Album), was leaked onto the interwebs last week, and you can find the album streaming online as well.  Initial listens indicate that it is a solid country-tinged rock album, which basically means it sounds like Wilco, which is a good thing if you are a Wilco fan.  Which I am.  Mostly.  Except that I was pretty disappointed in their last album, Sky Blue Sky, because I thought it sounded like Dad-rock.  While I wish that Wilco would rock out more like they used to, I still like this album, possibly because my expectations were diminshed by the last one.  I”’ll Fight” is a stand-out track to me; even though it’s got a mellow vibe, I think it’s purty, plus I’m a sucker for some slide guitar. 

Say Hi - “Maurine”  (from Oohs and Aahs)

I’ll admit that I knew very little about Say Hi until recently, besides that they used to be named Say Hi To Your Mom and they seemed to be very popular with university kids around here a few years back.  Based on these two facts, I always assumed they were quite a juvenile band, which turns out to not be entirely true.  Oohs and Aahs is an enjoyable album about lost loves and missed oppportunities that is at times sedated, but not morose.  Of the many tracks on the album named after various women, “Maurine” is my favorite.  I’m glad I’ve given a chance to an artist I previously ignored- it’s a happy discovery.

Dirty Projectors - “Stillness is the Move” (from Bitte Ocra)

I’ve been hearing about Dirty Projectors for quite a while now, but I never bothered to seek them out until I got hooked on their collaboration with David Byrne on the Dark Was The Night compilation. I got my hands on their new album early this week, and I totally dig it. The songs are all gorgeously layered with obvious unconventional structures; it seems to be one of those albums where you hear something new each time you listen to it. My current favorite song is also the first single, but it’s got such an awesome groove to it, I couldn’t post anything else. Bitte Ocra appears to be their most accessible album, so it’s probably the perfect entry point for me with this band, and I highly encourage you to check it out if you’re not already a fan of Dirty Projectors.

St. Vincent and The National - “Sleep All Summer” (Crooked Fingers cover)

Merge is celebrating their 20th anniversary and to commemorate they’ve released Score! 20 Years of Merge Records: The Covers!, a compilation of bands covering songs by Merge artists.  I’m particularly taken by St. Vincent and The National teaming up to cover Crooked Finger’s “Sleep All Summer”, a song I was in love with a few years ago.

That is all.  Enjoy.

Neko Case - “Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth” (from Middle Cyclone)

While I realize that posting a Neko Case song is not exactly introducing anything cutting edge to this here blog, but I do think that Middle Cyclone deserves a bit more attention than it has been receiving.  Upon first listen, I wasn’t sure I liked it as much as Fox Confessor Brings the Flood or Blacklisted, but with subsequent listens I think it really holds up to those previous efforts.  I love the recurring themes of weather and storms, and so I think her cover of Sparks’ “Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth” is a pretty genius inclusion on the album.  I actually had a hard time narrowing down one song off the album, and I think the title track is gorgeous as well.  All in all, I think this is a perfect album to be listening to when there’s still a slight chill in the air.