Listen: My fave songs of the year, thus far (June 2012)

This is some of the best music that has come out of the first part of 2012.

There is a lot of music out there and PLENTY of reviews on these bands. I've included a few below. Take them as you will. Art is like dating - you go out and try it and if you don't like it, you know more of what you like and what you don't. I don't think someone else telling you whether something is good or not should be the decision-maker.  Luckily, for you, there are a lot of good reviews on all of these.

Go ahead. Put on your headphones and listen.

Lower Dens
Song: Candy
Album: Nootropics
Purchase songs & album here.

First thoughts: Hazy, hypnotic dreams.
Ok, first it was Brains.  Then, it was Propagation.  So maybe I'm a single whore...as in album single...  These happen to be the singles off of their most recent album, Nootropics. There have been some nights and a bottle of wine that have accompanied the entire album. I love the wailing guitar and Jana's use of her voice in Candy.  I just saw them live and was curious to see how the album would translate. Verdict: So good, great energy and the best gig I've been to in a while.  They are on tour in the US and parts of Europe through August -- you should catch them.


Read this, too: NPR: First Listen: Lower Dens 'Nootropics'

Hospitality
Song: Friends of Friends
Album: Hospitality
Purchase here.


First thoughts: Boppity, summ-summ-summertime and yay, friends! Kind of what I thought of L.A. vs. NYC.
This is probably as about as poppy and cute-sy I'm getting in these suggestions.  For some reason, when I first saw the video -- it reminded me of a modern day, NYC version of Clueless and the reality of long distance relationships. They suck and good friends are amazing people to have in your life. NYC is her now, dude.  Nice little message.  Watch the video, too.  They'll be on tour this summer.  Would love to finagle a Houston show...

Beach House
Song: Lazuli
Album: Bloom

First thoughts: chiming and sumptuous
Myth was the first track I heard...and always made me cry when I listened to it.  Teetering between moments of happiness and then seeking someone to "help me to make it," felt close to home. Myth really is a gorgeous song...you need to listen to it, too. Lots of touring for them starting July 1st.

Purity Ring
Song: Obedear
Album: Shrines (out July 24, 2012)

[if the song isn't showing up, listen to it here.]
First thoughts: ethereal and drifting; heavenly and hellish
This takes me back to some of my favourite electropop which also resided in the goth world. Maybe the goths and non-goths can all be friends now since I can see them both liking it :) They arrive courtesy of 4AD which hosted another ethereal, ghostlike fave, Cocteau Twins.

Exitmusic
Song: Passage
Album: Passage

First thoughts: dramatic, dark and strong. Am I going too far when I think of a darker Janis?
I stumbled upon this band as the opener for someone else. The lead singer has an incredibly powerful voice with an equally powerful band to back her up. If you see them live, the percussion makes your whole body reverberate along. It is a song ridden with drama and radiance. "Suggesting Berlin and Bowie, Bedhead and Portishead, Exitmusic's third release continues and catalyzes the pair's stepwise progression..." - Grayson Currin, Pitchfork.

Bear in Heaven
Song: Sinful Nature
Album: I Love You, It's Cool


First thoughts: unleashing inhibition and sex.
I definitely first heard this and thought of a hazy seduction. Then I thought, "Bring it Bear In Heaven." And, Jon Philpot's explanation of the song makes perfect sense to me now:
"'Sinful Nature' is an ode to all the shy girls out there. Don't restrain your inner freak. You could change the world if you just let yourself. It's also an inner dialogue between my responsible and not-responsible self."

Read what NPR had to say, "Bear in Heaven's 'Sinful' Ode to Shy Girls."

Tanlines
Song: All of Me
Album: Mixed Emotions


First thoughts: Damn catchy. Laugh when you need it. Go ahead, it's ok. Someone better play this at a dance party.
Read what NPR had to say, "First Listen: Tanlines, 'Mixed Emotions'.