Don't ask me why I was reading "IGN MUSIC'S TOP 20 ALBUMS OF 2010", but that is where I first heard of this band. Betwixt countless big timers like Kanye, Big Boi, Sufjan, Arcade Fire, stood this unfamiliar band with the strange name and hardly any listeners. My interest piqued, I grabbed their album and gave it a spin.
The Unmistakable Man is quite the album. With tracks ranging from quiet folk ballads to i-can't-help-but-dance-like-a-fool keyboard jams, this album is constantly keeping you on your toes. Add the 95+ (rough estimate) members, plethora of instruments and you have something unique, fun and fucking heartbreaking at the same time.
Here is a taste of their 'dancier' side.
Thijs Kuijken is the man behind one of my favorite releases so far this year. Ignoring all the sub-genres that have been choking the genre as of late, he crafts simple, catchy and classic songs with an acoustic guitar, banjo, backing vocals and some strings. The result is an album that ranges from toe tapping melodies to solemn odes. Give this Dutch dude a chance. That is probably the last time you will ever read a sentence like that.
I gave this band a listen because, well, they had the balls to name themselves after a southern god. I'm sure sometime in the future they will be forced to change their name, but for the time being, I decided I had to listen to them.
Horse Power is a short four track EP of absolutely perfect little folktronic pop songs. With hints of Notwist and even a little of The Go-Find, but a bit more organic than electronic. I have really high hopes for these guys, and I can't wait for a full release.
What do you get when you cross the folk narratives of Bill Callahan with gorgeous chamber music like arrangements? You get an incredible new record by Nina Nastasia. Songs range from simple yet dark folk noir, to intricate and wonderful arrangement that demand your full attention. If you enjoy artists like Alela Diane or Marrissa Nadler, do yourself a favour and listen to this record.
Every review I read about this album compares to Nick Drake. Since I am lazy I am going to agree with this comparison. Paul Marshall writes dark, personal lyrics that are brought to life with an overall upbeat sound. While I wouldn't call him genre-bending, the album crosses quite a few genres, from folk to an almost new-wave sound. Because of this, the album has a very high replay factor. Or it could be that I have deep personal issues and get attached to things that I enjoy far too easily. Either way, I've played this album at least two dozen times the past three days. So yeah, Nick Drake, Grizzly Bear, blah blah blah if you like them give this dude a listen.
See that nerdy dude? Yeah, that's Conor O'Brien, and it turns out he has an incredible voice along with a shitload of talent. The band hails from Dublin and they craft intricate, dark, eerie and amazing folk-pop songs. They actually got nominated for the Mercury Prize but lost out to the awful XX. If you are looking for something truly original and wonderful, give this album a spin.
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