Watch Me For The Changes

THEESatisfaction - Earthseed

When I asked the question of a friend today regarding whether hip hop was in fact dead, neither of us had fully considered THEESatisfaction.  They bring contemporary inspirations to a multitude of genres in desperate need of an update.

Buy awE naturalEfrom Sub Pop.

Carolee - No One Face

“No One Face” appears to be a beautifully noisy update of a classic 90s album.  The voice and music sound familiar, but it’s clear upon the first listen that the two haven’t met previously.  Each piece has had something to say before, but together Carolee has something entirely new to say.

Buy EP1from 12XU.

Fun. - Some Nights

If you can’t beet ‘em, join em.  Just listen; have fun; maybe even pretend this song is the soundtrack to your life while you’re walking down the street or riding public transportation.  Enjoying “Some Nights” is a hell of a lot easier than resisting — even after you realize this band has gotten pretty popular…

Buy Some Nights here.

Stay+ - Scum

It’s haunting and exhilarating.  “Scum” will put a little something extra in your step or take the wind out of your sails if you prefer.  Stay+ has an energy both dark and light.

“Old songs re-released under a compliant band name. Fuck Christian AIDS now on iTunes (get it before we get sued again.)” 

Perfume Genius - Sister Song

For those of you who intend to outlive me, please ensure this song is played at my funeral.

Pre-order Put Your Back N 2 It from Matador Records.

Willis Earl Beal - Monotony

“Monotony” will most likely bring to mind a different tortured singer-songwriter.  The obvious comparison is entirely accurate, but there’s a unique sweetness in Willis Earl Beal’s voice.  There is nothing uncommon about the painful frustration.

Acousmatic Sorcery will be out in 2012 on Hot Charity/XL Recordings.

First Aid Kit - The Lion’s Roar

First Aid Kit has all the wisdom of experience, but also the all too prevalent self-awareness (which yields to self doubt.)  “The Lion’s Roar” is damning, while remaining self effacing.  Holding a mirror up to ourselves and others rarely leads to happiness or even self satisfaction.  In this instance, however, a wonderfully pointed and steadily off-kilter song is the result.

Buy The Lion’s Roar here.

Sissy and the Blisters - Let Her Go

There are plenty of comparisons one could make when listening to Sissy and the Blisters.  To make that connection, however, is to miss out on the other influences.  The reason “Let Her Go” sounds like so many songs we’ve heard before, is because it is influenced by feelings we have all felt before.

Buy Let Her Go here.

Yellow Ostrich - Marathon Runner (Daytrotter Sessions)

Yellow Ostrich knows who they are, but not necessarily why.  In this instance, purpose seems less important than self-awareness.  The latter generates determination, but the former allows for anxiety to permeate.

Download this session here.

Deer Tick - Now It’s Your Turn

“Now It’s Your Turn” is the sound of holding on to romantic hope when there is none left.  Deer Tick exists in neither denial nor delusion.  There’s abundant pain to prove the contrary.

Buy Divine Provence from Partisan Records.

Birdy - People Help The People

“People Help The People” is the sound of a solitary voice wanting more. She might be happy on her own, but Birdy knows that there is something else out there — or at least she understands the strength she can provide and receive from another.

Pre-order Birdy from Amazon UK or iTunes UK.