We never posted this, probably because we went crazy on some Bon Iver at the start of the year, but this song has held up as one of the better songs of the year. It’s all over the lists of top songs of the year, and I figured better late than never.

Source: http://www.saidthegramophone.com/archives/best_songs_of_2009.php

This week’s been stressful so I’m listening to optimistic and peppy music. When I was in a more level headed state a few weeks ago this song didn’t work so much for me but this time around I’m enjoying it a lot more. Hopefully it will hit people on the tolerant part of their brain and not the easily agitated one (which is the majority of mine). The review I link in the source is a good commentary on the album. For the record this is the second album from the UK band.

Source: http://www.cavacool.com/album/boy-least-likely-to-law-of-the-playground/

Ok so I WANTED to post the leaked Midlake songs but that fell through when the labels asked my source to take down the songs, so it’s time for fallback: grab something from All Songs Considered. This is from a Somalian (and Canadian) rapper named K’naan, and it’s pretty much impossible to dislike. I mean, to really dislike the way I dislike drum and bass or kids singing.

Source: http://www.themusicninja.com/

Fredik is a Swedish band we’ve posted once but that link is dead so go here. The happier song I just linked should balance out this one which is pretty dark. Vinterbarn’s about children born in the winter, according to Stereogum (vinter means winter, barn means children), whom are generally more aggressive because they are older I guess. The song is off an upcoming album for which I do not know the release date.

Source: http://bit.ly/5ANWqG

Listened to this on lastfm on xbox live – pretty awesome (JUSTICE radio). The console is definitely becoming the home media center, but there’s really no reason it shouldn’t just be in our tv’s. We’ll see who wins, but my money is on TVs.

Source: www.last.fm

The lead singer for Sigur Ros is coming out with a solo album soon and this is the fourth track. I have to say I think I prefer for the lyrics to be in a fake language, but I’m still looking forward to the album. I’m stealing Ed’s next post with this pick but I’m sure he’ll come up with something else for tomorrow.

Source: http://jp917.blogspot.com/2009/12/sigur-ros-jonsi-announces-solo-album.html

Brother Ali’s been getting some attention from my podcasts so I figured I’d pass it along. He’s albino, but have you heard him rhyme, though? It was tough to decide between this and The Traveler, another song from this album. Both are pretty indicative of the sound of the album, not flukes. So check out the album if you like this single.

Source: http://kexp.org/

Efterklang is a Danish rock group I just heard on Hype Machine. I’m not behind the sound 100% but I’m all about the instrumentation. This is a single off of their new album coming out in February.



Source: www.hypem.com

John Vanderslice didn’t really capture me enough to post him any earlier this year, but I guess my music taste has changed because I really enjoyed listening to this album on grooveshark at work Friday. So most of you have probably already heard him, but here’s a song from his May release this year. It’s recently been put out as a 7″. And you know what? I’m gonna be honest and say I have no idea what that means. Like a record? Like a vinyl record? Hipsters help me out.

Source: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113431621

Hot Chip has two new singles out promoting their new album coming out on Feb. 8th. As seems to happen a lot with Rock and Rowe I was torn between both songs. But this one just barely beat out Take It In since I think people may not be as forgiving about that one’s cheesiness as I am. I’m looking forward to having some of their tracks stuck in my head this winter and I’ll do my best to pass those earworms on to you all once they’re released.

Source: http://hypem.com/#/search/hot+chip/1/