Diario

new pornographers - together
kings of leon - come around sundown
rogue wave - permalight
national - high violet
black keys - brothers
band of horses - infinite arms
arcade fire - the suburbs
interpol - interpol
robyn - body talk
christina aguilera - bionic

There are a lot of bands/artists that I've been meaning to get into or have never truly given their albums a shot. It makes me feel awful/like a phony. So, each week, I'll dedicate time to listening to said music and come to a conclusion:

Do I like it or not?

Round 1:
M83
French Kicks
Sparks
The Pernice Brothers

Let's begin :)

Neko Case - Middle Cyclone
It took me a while to really sit down and listen to Middle Cyclone, but once I did, I was extremely pleased. Slightly different from Neko's past albums but still very fitting for her. My favorite track from the album has to be "Prison Girls." It's spooky, sexy, and captures the essence of Neko.

Metric - Fantasies
This album is non-stop party fun. I like that Metric has multiple sounds - all of them excellent. Fantasies exhibits the crazy, upbeat, kickass side of Emily Haines. From the thrumming, opening track "Help I'm Alive" to the final, raucous track "Stadium Love about animals fighting in some kind of coliseum, the album has an addictive quality that kind of makes you want to fight.

Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Of course Phoenix is on here. They've been around for years but the first single from the album "Lisztomania" has been getting some serious attention, giving the band the credit they deserve. Not much to say except for the fact that Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is a fun listen. It's catchy as hell and makes you want to dance.

Bat for Lashes - Two Suns
Amazing is the only word to describe Bat For Lashes. Natasha Khan has taken over my iTunes, my life, and my brain. She's this amazing mix of Bjork, Kate Bush, and Joanna Newsom. "Sleep Alone" has become the stand-out track for me and a much repeated listen.

St. Vincent - Actor
I was a bit late to get on the St. Vincent train but I'm glad I made it. For me, I've never encountered an artist equal in creativity and talent. Annie Clark brings together instruments in beautiful harmonies, soft but strong vocals, wry lyrics, and soaring melodies. I can't get enough of this album (or her first Marry Me.)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!
I've always liked Yeah Yeah Yeahs but this album turned me into an avid, die-hard fan. Some people might say that Karen O mellowed out and started making less interesting music. Not the case. YYY's continue to redefine their sound with every album or EP they release. Karen O traded in crazy screaming for some electro-glam beats that make people want to shake it. At the same time, beautiful tracks like "Hysteric" and "Runaway" came out of it. Spectacular.

Coconut Records - Davy
Coconut Records still isn't getting a ton of attention but that's all right. Jason Schwartzman isn't the kind of guy who needs acclaim. I don't think that Jason Schwartzman is this incredible singer who gives me chills. I like knowing that he has fun making his music and produces music that people just want to hang out and listen to. "Saint Jerome" and "Wires" are perfect examples of Coconut Records easy-going, mellow, cute music that he's becoming known for making.