Rococo in the Suburbs

"Rococo" is probably my favorite song off of Arcade Fire's new album, The Suburbs. I just love singing along to the "Ro-co-co ro-co-co ro-co-co ro-co-co ro-co-co RO-CO-CO!" A bit long-winded and I don't know exactly what they're talking about. Types of houses? I like the steady beat that feels like it's building up to something, but then doesn't really. The song truly reflects the feeling of living in the suburbs.

New Walkmen

Perfect for a Monday morning (and really any other time). I think the Walkmen continue to evolve as I enjoy each new album even more than the last.

Here is a track off their new record, which by the way you can stream in full over on NPR's website: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129177585

"Stranded":

Formidable Joy

Hello and welcome to a new week. I don't remember where I heard about The Joy Formidable, or heard their song "Whirring". All I know is that it was in my youtube favorites and decided to post it. It has a 90s alt rock feel to it, and may be a little too heavy for a Monday morning, but I'm throwing caution to the wind.

I Need You Around...For Now.

I was never into the Smoking Popes when they were at the height of their semi-obscure popularity, except for "I Need You Around" because it was on the Clueless soundtrack. I started listening to them a lot more in college, at the same time I was getting into Morrissey, and one should definitely be able to recognize the similarity between the two. The major difference is that The Smoking Popes rock a lot harder, and that's just a-okay with me. Happy Friday!

I think i'll have myself a beer

As I've mentioned on here, I was in a ska/punk band back in high school. I used to skank it out at the warped tour, ska against racisim, and many a reel big fish show. Speaking of Reel Big Fish, they are somehow still trucking along - that's some amazing staying power for a ska band (mighty mighty bosstones are still around too!).

Because it's retro Friday and we are all thirsty for some adult beverages, here is "Beer" by reel big fish:

Swedish People Write Good English Songs

The Tallest Man on Earth is actually a Swede named Kristian Matsson. Some say he's a modern day Bob Dylan, and he definitely does sound like him, but his lyrics aren't as politically and socially driven. In "King of Spain" Matsson makes a clear reference to Dylan by citing his "Spanish boots of leather", but the song still manages to sound fresh in a genre (folk) that is difficult to keep modern.

Patty Lee

Sorry for being MIA yesterday - long day trip to good ol' Des Moines, Iowa for work.

But today I'm back in the saddle. I saw Les Savy Fav at Pitchfork Fest a few years ago. I had heard legendary stories about the lead singer, Tim Harrington, and his crazy antics at live performances. He didn't disappoint, spending half the show stage diving and dancing in the crowd.

Here is "Patty Lee" by Les Savy Fav:

Ah, To Be Young and in Love

"Young Love" by Mystery Jets is possibly my new favorite song. I put it on this mix that I've been listening to constantly over the past couple of weeks, and I always get the most excited when this gem pops up. It features brit-pop darling Laura Marling, who I believe broke the young heart of the singer for Noah and the Whale, so I guess young love doesn't always last. Sob sob, but it sure is sweet.