This is my one of my favorite albums of 2013 so far. Sure they ransack every sound from the late 60s and early 70s (most obviously Sgt. Pepper era Beatles and the Velvet Undergroud) but they do it well and with a freshness that doesn't leave you feeling swindled.
Music Genre: Pop
Zac
I have a crush on Alela Diane. Hailing from Portland, OR, she’s a stunning storyteller, her songs painting gentle landscapes of love and nature. Her voice is lilting, both slick and scuffed, and is layered amidst steel strings and mandolin melodies. It's difficult to label her musical style, but...
Bobby
In a year full of band with a lot of rah-rah wannabe folkiness ala Lumineers & Of Monsters and Men, Lord Huron takes a more (and appreciated) laid back approach. The songs are upbeat but quiet with a Graceland quality to them. A solidly pleasing debut.
Kelly
Ariel Pink might be an acquired taste for some, but this is an album that still sounds as great as the first day I heard it. Breezy 70's anthems that sound like they are being projected to earth from a distant planet. The album is full of songs recorded in an interesting way with lots of...
angela
I don't really know how to describe this... part electronic, part dub, part rock. All I can say is that I loved it. Innovative, interesting and fun.
Michelle
Don't love all of this but parts make my heart sing, sadly, but sing nonetheless. Sweet.
Michelle
Jim James of My Morning Jacket as Yim Yames' cover of George Harrison tunes expressed sweetly and sadly.
Michelle
Eef Barzelay introduced me to Clem Snide. I do like these odd names but it's not why I love this album.
Michelle
Very enjoyable blend of folk and blues, and help from Neko Case doesn't hurt.
Michelle
Fun dance music that may take you back to the alternative music of the 80s.
Michelle
Need a little pick me up? I remember why I loved this movie so much now. Spunky.
angela
You can listen to the whole EP in less than 20 minutes, but this is delirious and enthralling indie rock that I can't get out of my head long after those 20 minutes are over. Tokyo Police Club is "like a swift kick in the pants followed by a raucous dance party" or so says their bio. Can't get...
Michelle
Anne Frank, lots of nonsense, and The King of Carrot Flowers. Need I say more?
Michelle
At first I thought Jenny was some kind of cool gospel singer and then I really listened to the words. Huh. Very original lyrics and a soulful twangy voice.
Michelle
Is this Wilco? Sounds like they are back from whence they came and it's great, strange, but great, and it grows on you, which is always fun.
angela
Bubblegum pop at its finest from Norway's Annie. The highlight for me was the silly and fun "Chewing Gum" where she tells it like it is: "I don't want to settle down, I just wanna have fun. I don't want to settle down, I just wanna chew gum."
Michelle
I'm not sure how to describe this. It's irritating and then you love it. If I lived in China I'd have some Chinese children...
Michelle
McKeown's unique voice - lyrics and tunes - will leave you wanting more.
Michelle
Alternately melancholic and humorous, these raw lyrics and melodies haunt me.
