100 Favourite Tracks of 2010: Part II

Indeed, when I would ask a tenant if they called 311, I would hear either a Daniel response — “I called 311 until I was blue in the face” — or a response that mirrors the behavior of Justin’s family — “I don’t call 311 anymore. Because I gave up.” In a certain way, both responses are saying the same thing. They are expressions of the demoralization and resignation that people carry with them. In the social universe I inhabit, there’s such a strong belief that you can change things, you can make things happen. But in the Bronx, behind too many of the doors I knocked on, people’s faces are bereft of that sense.

- Elizabeth Dwoskin in NYT


Kisses - Bermuda
Bright and uplifting toetapper, with soaring synths and warm vocals. There's a little balearic beat as well, similar to Delorean. Brilliant stuff from Jesse Kivel and Zinzi Edmundson.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Warpaint - Undertow (mp3)
Lovely post-punk beat, it helps that they are all girls, shrouded by hazy vocals. I love the lead in guitar particularly. The song alternates between a slow dreamy atmosphere with hollow vocals and splendid psych rock replete with guitar riffs. Check out the music video here which is directed by Shannyn Sossamon, who was previously with the band. Nice reunion eh.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Class Actress - Careful What You Say (mp3)
Lush 80s disco and 8-bit beats definitely a plus point in this song. With sultry vocals as well, that certainly scores with me too.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Local Natives - Airplanes
I've got a weak spot for folk rock, which explains Local Natives and Airplanes from "Gorilla Manor" along with the likes of Great Lake Swimmers, Fanfarlo and The Low Anthem. Stringing meaningful lyrics along with a mellow rhythm that soars and dips, it's a heartwarming rendition of a love for a grandfather.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Band of Horses - Blue Beard
This is Band of Horses, every album surely has hits that resonate deep and this is one of them, from "Infinite Arms". Very affecting midwestern-ish, with a grand backing rhythm that anchors this song.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Foals - Spanish Sahara
This is one epic track. It starts of with a tender melody that reeks of desolation and emptiness, and Philippakis milks that even further with raw and emotional vocals. The song builds, slowly, drawing you further into the vast expanse of desolation it portrays, then plateauing. It's joined by a dotty urgent synth beat audible in the background, matched by an increasing urgency in the song as well and the boiling pot of emotion spills at around 4:15. Enjoy.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

School of Seven Bells - I L U
Peculiar video set to less ethereal (read: clearer) vocals that was the hallmark of their debut album, I L U draws out it's atmospheric rhythm, playing up on that, letting it expand and fill the room.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Monarchy - Love Get Out Of My Way
Uber groovey dance floor anthem along with others that has marked Monarchy's arrival on the electronic scene under their new name, previously known as Milke.

Listening Directions: Press play and get moving, if movement is restricted, start bopping your head. Repeat.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Frightened Rabbit - The Loneliness & The Scream
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Best Coast - When I'm With You
A hazy miasma of jangly guitar drives this sun-drenched surf pop from the loveable Ms Cosentino and sidekick Bobb Bruno.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

every house not a home but dare do i roam

It's a pretty fine day, and for me a fine day is where the weather isn't sweltering, hot and humid. A layer of stickiness and ickiness all over isn't my idea of fine. So anyhow, I'm just sitting here now wondering how come I never did mention Band of Horses' first single for "Cease to Begin". And where from comes the impetus, but an episode of Fringe?

Band of Horses - Is There A Ghost
It's an awfully lovely song, melancholic and melodramatic all at once. And just how do they do it with two simple lines "I could sleep when I lived alone/Is there a ghost in my house?" - beats me. Nevertheless, I love the eerily random yet curiously funny video where it's an almost literal explanation of the lyrics, and the video slowly evolves to quite the hilarious ending, but amidst all, the female protagonist provides the best of turns.

Band of Horses - Blue Beard
Good ol' slow rock. Grand orchestration with such meaningful lyrics, it makes me feel warm and secretly good on the inside. Ben singing as the song chugs along slowly, allows the lyrics to sink in and come alive in your mind. The white snow outside the house, a blanket of soft whiteness. Neon glow of the bar sign hanging lazily on the outside.

Band of Horses - Neighbor
I've got this attachment to their new songs for some reason. It's like on first listen, you feel as if you've heard the song a million times, and it's buried deep inside your head. Or maybe it's the strong imagery their lyrics evoke. I really love it.

in time i'd find a little way to your heart

Imogen Heap - Wait It Out
Yet another song from her album "Ellipse". Her usual beautiful music and there's no denying her excellent voice and talent, but is it me or is her music starting to sound the same?

Blind Pilot - # Rounds and a Sound
Very good song. Brilliantly crafted lyrics set to a neat beat, it doesn't plod, nor does it rush, taking just the right amount of time to walk, searching before finding it's place. While I certainly don't want to spoil your interpretations of what the lyrics could mean, I definitely can tell there's loss, love and change involved. Taking "soil and six feet under" at face value, there's death as well - but whatever it is, just appreciate this fabulous song.

Band of Horses - The General Specific
Hailing from Seattle, this rock band gained attention after opening for Iron & Wine. Also a little trivia - their new album "Night Rainbows" should be released sometime this year and Cigarettes, Wedding Bands is featured on Guitar Hero 5.

well i am sure i could steer the great salt lake

Marshmallow Test for Kids
spotted this video under youtube's "Videos Being Watched Now". So damn hilarious and cute.


jj - Ecstacy
This is dope, pun intended.

The Clientele - House On Fire

Band of Horses - The Great Salt Lake
The video features slowpitch softball! Sweet song.

The Saturday Mix #10

Florence and the Machine - Kiss With A Fist
lol such a random video with random lyrics. But kiss with a fist is so cute, instead of punching, I'll give you a kiss with my fist.

Florence and the Machine - Drumming

Fleet Foxes - He Doesn't Know Why

The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved

Black Mountain - Angels

Band of Horses - The Funeral

Passion Pit - Little Secrets