Tom Waits: New Years Eve

This is off Waits' 2011 album. Happy New Year everyone.

Wild Flag

This supergroup's 2011 self-titled release was full of some catchy, guitar-driven pop. The song below definitely needs to be on your New Year's Eve party mix.

Kurt Vile: Smoke Ring for My Halo

Interesting album from this Philly-based singer/songwriter.

Mates of State: Mountaintops

Here's some fresh sounding synth-pop from this husband-wife duo's 7th album.

Wilco: The Whole Love

We're at the end of another year. I'm going to post a smattering of songs that I never got around to posting this year and then take some time off until 2012. Let's start with one I didn't post because I figured everone already knew about it, but in case you didn't, Wilco's album this year was one of this band's best.

Belle & Sebastian: I'm a Cuckoo

Probably this Scottish band's biggest hit. Off the 2003 album, Dear Catastrophe Waitress.

Yo La Tengo

This is one of my favorite YLT songs, and the video is tremendous.

Benoit Piolard: A Coin on the Tongue

Off this artist's 2010 album, Lasted.

Maurice El Medioni and Roberto Rodriguez

This is a long track, but take the time to listen to this instrumental jam by the Algerian pianist Medioni and Cuban percussionist Rodriguez. Their album, Descarga Oriental, was released in 2006.

Housse de Racket: Roman

I really like this French duo's sound. Qu'est-ce que tu en penses?

Hollie Cook

Here's a laid back reggae piece from this English artist. Learn more about her here.

Heartless Bastards

And speaking of great voices, the Cincinnati, Ohio based Heartless Bastards' lead singer, Erika Wennerstrom, has a voice that was made for grunge-fused rock. This is the title track off their 2009 album, The Mountain.

Birdy: Skinny Love

There is something about the piano and a sweet voice that get me (nearly) every time. I think you will like this English artist's song below as well.

Adanowsky: Me Siento Solo

Fabulous song and video by this French born artist with Chilean / Mexican roots.

Real Estate: It's Real

Off this New Jersey-based band's 2011 release, Days. Pop as it should be.

Saul Williams: Explain My Heart

Even though there really isn't much of a melody here, there is something I like about this gritty, guttural sounding song. What do you think? Learn more about Saul here.

Girl In A Coma: Smart

Here's a solid track off this San Antonio-based band's recent release, Exits & All the Rest.

Scattered Trees: Four Days Straight

The song below, by this Chicago-based band, gets better each time you hear it.

Keys N Krates

This Canadian band is currently touring pushing their recently released Blackout LP.

Mos Def: Quiet Dog Bite Hard

Going back a couple of years for this one, but it still sounds fresh:

The Flaming Lips & Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros

It's great when good artists collaborate. Check out this chilled-out performance by these two bands:

Electric Guest: Trouble Man

Learn more about this LA duo here.

Matt & Kim: Block After Block

More great music out of Brooklyn. Off this duo's 2010 album, Sidewalks.

Lisa Hannigan: A Sail

The song below is off this Irish artist's recently released 2011 album, Passenger.

Alabama Shakes: I Found You

I love the retro sound of this song. This Alabama-based band is playing rock as it should be. And the video isn't too bad either.

Amy Correia: Powder Blue Trans Am

Here's some gritty Americana for you. Learn more about Amy Correia here.

Evelyn Evelyn: Have You Seen My Sister Evelyn?

Here are a couple of versions of a song by this duo made up of one of the Dresden Dolls and the eccentric Jason Webley. The first video is really interesting and the live version is also worth watching.



It's got to be difficult to perform one handed:

Juan Maclean: Happy House

Here's a little more postmodern 60's soul meets 70's funk meets 80's synth. Off the 2009 album, The Future Will Come.

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour: Major

Off this Danish band's forthcoming album Out of Frequency slated to be released in January.

Caveman: Great Life

Here's a gripping piece from this NYC band that is currently touring. I've never seen so many drummers on one song. . .

Lana Del Rey: Blue Jeans

I can't make up my mind about this artist from Lake Placid, NY, but I keep coming back to a few of her songs, including this one which keeps growing on me.

SBTRKT: Wildfire

SBTRKT is Aaron Jerome, a producer based in London. Seeming to prefer anonymity, he performs behind a mask during live performances. This song features Little Dragon, (a band that has also been featured on this blog here) and is on his 2011 self-titled release.

Pollyn: How Small We Are

This song is off Pollyn's 2011 album, Living In Patterns. The band describes what they do as "atmospheric music influenced by down-tempo, new wave, funk, world and traditional pop."

That's pretty good, so I'll say no more.

Kitty, Daisy, and Lewis: I'm So Sorry

This is a family band hailing from London that writes music infused with R&B, swing, country, blues, and, as you'll hear below, ska. The band members are incredibly talented, all of them multi-instrumentalists, which aids their musical flexibility.

This is off the 2011 album, Smoking in Heaven.

Detektivbyran: Lyckans Undulat

This is a thrilling video which matches this quirky electro-folk piece very well. Sadly, this Swedish band broke up in 2010.

Okkervil River: For Real

I'm going back to the ice age of 2006 for this one, off the album, Black Sheep Boy, by this band from Austin, Texas.

Just in case you needed to inject some angst into your weekend.

Plan B: She Said

Plan B is a British artist who does a little bit of everything, and this song, off the 2010 album, The Defamation of Strickland Banks, exhibits how wide his musical range is. This song grabs you in the first bar and never lets go. What do you think?

Art vs Science: With Thoughts

This Australian band might be coming to a city near you this Autumn. Learn more about the band and the upcoming tour, here.

Yelle: Safari Disco Club

The Independent summed this French band's 2011 album up the best when it said it was "essential for anyone who appreciates dancefloor-friendly European synth pop."

The Parlotones: Should We Fight back?

This is a straightforward, mainstream-sounding song by this South African band. So nothing new here, but this and most of their songs are tightly written pieces that many of you might enjoy.

Remember Remember: Scottish Widows

Off this Glasgow-based ensemble's soon-to-be released in the USA album, The Quickening. Close your eyes and let this one take you away.

The Rapture: In the Grace of Your Love

This is the title track off of this NYC band's recent release.

Myslovitz: Art Brut

Polish pop / rock.

Rubblebucket Covers Sufjan Stevens for The Voice Project

I've already posted about Rubblebucket here, and if you haven't checked out that post, do so immediately. After that, mosey on over to The Voice Project, which is a musical movement aimed at helping women and promoting peace in war-ravaged Uganda. It is a good cause and has produced some great music, like the cover on the other side of the link, below.

The Voice Project

Meshell Ndegeocello: Dirty World

The bass line of this song is unrelenting, even if her voice sounds a bit flat at times. Ndegeocello has been all over the musical map over her long career, and it seems she is continuing to break new ground with her upcoming album, Weather, set to be released in November.

Fionn Regan Redux

Here's another Regan song, just in case some of you heard the other one and decided not to give him a chance. This is brilliant work:

Fionn Regan: 100 Acres of Sycamore

This Irish singer/songwriter has a few shows stateside this Autumn and below is the title track of his upcoming album which will be released in the USA in January, but I believe it is already available on the web. Regan's music is gripping and poetic, even if his lyrics are sometimes a trifle too obscure for my taste.



Buy it on Amazon: 100 Acres Of Sycamore

Pantha du Prince: Black Noise

For those of you who like elecronic music, this German artist's 2011 album is going to please. Black Noise is a surreal and well-textured production.

Fort Knox Five

This Washington, D.C. quintet has got enough funk to go around for everyone. Try not to dance when you hear this one.



Buy it on Amazon: Radio Free DC

Marsmobil: Dark Star

Marsmobil is multi-instrumentalist Roberto Di Gioia. The Black Album was released earlier this year.



Buy it on Amazon: Black Album

Danielle Duval

This Canadian artist has an album coming out this month entitled Of the Valley. She's not exactly a household name, but many of you will recognize this cover, which is spot on.



Learn more about her here.

Thiago Pethit: Nightwalker

Pethit is often described as a Brazilian folk singer, but that is a tremendous injustice. The song and video below are both simple, yet fantastically dynamic and satisfying. Well, I could go on, but why don't you decide for yourself.



Buy it on Amazon: Berlim, Texas

Jessica 6: White Horse

Off this Brooklyn band's 2011 album, See the Light.



Buy it on Amazon: White Horse

Grace Woodroofe: H

This Australian artist's voice has great tone. She seems perfectly comfortable singing heartfelt pieces like this, but then you hear her singing one of her 70's sounding rock songs and you think that she was born to wail. I like that flexibility, don't you?



Buy it on Amazon: Always Want

Dutch Uncles: X-O

Dutch Uncles are a band from Manchester, England. This song is off of their 2011 album Cadenza. The bass line of the song below is incredibly addictive.



Buy It On Amazon: Cadenza

M83: Midnight City

M83 is French artist Anthony Gonzalez, and words cannot describe the track below. I believe it's one of those songs you'll either love or despise.



Buy it on Amazon: Midnight City

Motopony

Sit back and enjoy this smooth sounding track. Then check out this Seattle band's website, here. The track is off the band's self-titled, debut album, released earlier this year.



Buy it on Amazon: Motopony (Bonus Track Version)

The Oxygen Ponies: Hope & Pray

This NYC band's laid back rock is addictive. Check out their website here and then listen to this and see what I mean.



Buy it on Amazon: Hope & Pray

Dynasty Electric: Golden Arrows

This Brooklyn band will blow your mind. There is a refined strength about the music they are creating. It's a powerful sound, but never out of control.



Buy it on Amazon: Golden Arrows

City Reign

Here's some straight-forward yet thoroughly enjoyable alt-rock from this band out of England. Check out their website, here. Their strong melodies and driving rhythms are enough to get them on the playlist of my next party. What do you think?

Polly and the Billets Doux: Head of Steam

When I first heard this band I thought it was great to hear some American artists dipping back into early Americana. Then I learned this band is from Winchester, England. No matter, it's still irresistible music and only proves that the special relationship is alive and well.



Buy it on Amazon: Lead Me On (EP Version)

Neon Indian: Polish Girl

Hailing from Texas, this band has an interesting sound that combines retro-sounding elements with a modern sensibility, if that makes any sense. Let me know what you think.



Buy it from Amazon: Psychic Chasms

Madita: Karma

Here's a sweet and catchy song by this Austrian artist.



Buy it on Amazon: Too

Marsmobil: Mangia Amore

This is going to make your weekend:



Buy it on Amazon here: Minx

Elena: L'amor es ah

Here is a sweet sounding bit of pop off the 2009 album, Un Cafe Setanta Matins.

Arrington de Dionyso's Malaikat dan Singa: Mani Malaikat

"Hallucinogenic Post-Punk sung all in Indonesian to impress a girl!"

That explains everything!



Buy it here if you dare: Mani Malaikat

Bomba Estereo: Ponte Bomb

This is so over-the-top I couldn't help posting it. This Columbian band has a great idea of combining Cumbia with electronica, but they might have missed the mark a bit here. On the other hand, I've listened to this about 100 times now . . .



Buy it on Amazon: Ponte Bomb EP

Diplomats of Solid Sound: Lights Out

There is so much soul out there right now this songs feels like a recent release, but it's actually off the 2008 album, The Diplomats of Solid Sound Featuring The Diplomettes.



Buy it here: The Diplomats Of Solid Sound featuring The Diplomettes

My Tiger My Timing: This is Not the Fire

Going back to 2009 for this song, which is by this interesting London-based band. This is a great music video as well.



Buy it here: This Is Not the Fire

High Highs: Open Season

Here's some fabulous NYC indie pop/rock off this band's 2011 release, Horses. Your Summer needs this chill, but tightly written music as part of its soundtrack.

Check out their website, here.

James Pants: Clouds Over the Pacific

Hailing from Spokane, Washington, this track is off this multi-instrumentalist's self-titled, 2011 LP.



Buy it here: James Pants

Gary Clark Jr.: Bright Lights

A lot of people are calling this Texas-born musician the savior of blues. What do you think?



Buy it here: Bright Lights

Quizas, Quizas, Quizas

No matter what kind of day your having, this brilliant recording will make it slightly more relaxed. Both vocalists shine on this track, but Ibrahim Ferrer was an incredible talent.

Elbow: Lippy Kids

Here's a chill track off this British band's 2011 album, Build a Rocket Boys!



Buy it here: Build A Rocket Boys!

Fink: If Only

Off this British artist's 2007 album, Distance and Time.



Buy it here: Distance and Time

Jim Noir: My Patch

Going way back to 2005 for this one, but it's worth it. Noir plays almost all of the instruments on almost off of his songs.



Buy it here: Jim Noir

Bombino: Agadez, the Music and the Rebellion

Check out the film, enjoy the music. Learn more here.



Buy it here: Agadez

Tally Hall: Good and Evil

Infectious pop-rock from this Ann Arbor, Michigan-based band.



Buy it here: Good & Evil

Typhoon

I'm a huge fan of NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts, and here is a great performance by this Portland-based band that's finally getting some national attention after toiling in the trenches for years. Check out their website, here.



Buy it here: A New Kind Of House

Portugal. The Man

Speaking of fabulous albums of 2011, this once Alaska-based (now they reside in Portland, Oregon) band's In the Mountain in the Cloud is up there as well. It was released days ago.



Buy it here: In the Mountain in the Cloud

Nicolas Jaar: Space is Only Noise

Released earlier this year, it is among the best of 2011. Jaar is a student at Brown University and isn't even 20 yet. If he doesn't burn out, he's got a lot of music ahead of him.



Buy it here: Space Is Only Noise

Arthur Verocai: Pela Sombras

Enjoy this excellent live performance by this venerable Brazilian artist.

Jana Hermann: Saules Griezi

This Latvian artist's song below, Solstice, has a quirky, retro sound to it.



What do you think?

Plants and Animals: The Mama Papa

This is a really tight bit of pop off this Montreal-based band's 2010 album, La La Land.



Buy it here: La La Land [+Digital Booklet]

Socks and Chimes: I Love You Overall

Here's a catchy folk-pop tune off of this interesting duo's recently released album. Learn more about them here.




Buy it here: I Love You Overall

The Pierces

This NYC-based duo are sisters, which helps to make their harmonies wonderful, as their voices are so similar. While they've only had limited success on the pop charts in the UK, their 2011 album, You and I, is worth a listen.



Buy it here: You & I

Wio-K featuring Tasha Rozez: Foot Loose

Infectious song off the 2008 album, In Real Life.



Buy it here: Foot Loose

Chain Gang of 1974: Hold On

Intriguing sounds out of Denver, CO. This is off the 2010 album, White Guts.



Buy it here: Wayward Fire

Other Lives: Tamer Animals

This Oklahoma band has an interesting blend of folk-rock and post modern elements. With their roots in mind, listening to their music definitely reminds one of the vastness of the American Southwest. Tamer Animals was released earlier this year.



Buy it here: Tamer Animals

Gardens & Villa

Great music out of Santa Barbara, CA. Their self-titled, debut album was just released this week. Enjoy!



Buy it here: Gardens & Villa [+Digital Booklet]

Mia Doi Todd: Open Your Heart

Mia Doi Todd is another interesting artist from Los Angeles. This song is off her 2011 album, Cosmic Ocean Ship. She has a sweet-sounding voice that really holds this all together. And isn't this video fantastic?!




Buy it here: Cosmic Ocean Ship

Daedelus: Sew, Darn, Mend

Here's a great song off of this Los Angeles-based artist's recently released album, Bespoke. You can really get lost in the layers of this one.



Buy it here: Bespoke

Bjork: Crystalline

We all know Bjork, and here is a new song off her upcoming album, Biophilia. Doesn't it get more and more interesting as it plays on?

Radical Fashion: Odori LP

Hirohito Ihara, the founder of Radical Fashion, looks to the sea, French Impressionism, and his own ideas of history when writing music. The result is a unique ambient sound that combines classical piano and electronica. The Odori LP was released in 2007, check out the band's website here.

Dengue Fever: Family Business

This Los Angeles-based band is said to combine Cambodian pop with psychedelic rock. And, in truth, I'm not sure that I totally understand it, but the music is good, and as the chorus of this song states, business is good for this band.



Pick up their recently released album, Cannibal Courtship, here: Cannibal Courtship

Sondre Lerche: Private Caller

Isn't this what pop should sound like? Lerche's self-titled album was released earlier this month.

Check out his website here.



But it here: Sondre Lerche (Amazon MP3 Exclusive Version)

Jovens Do Prenda: Ilha Virgem

Your weekend needs this Angolan musician's totally relaxed music in a bad way. In fact, if you are reading this and it's not the weekend, play this song, close your eyes, and you'll think it is.



Buy it here: Ilha Virgem

Sea Wolf: Wicked Blood

Sea Wolf is the project of Los Angeles-based musician Alex Brown Church. This song is off the 2009 album White Water, White Bloom.



Buy it here: Leaves In The River

David's Lyre: In Arms

Interesting song and video by this project by British multi-instrumentalist Paul Dixon.

Bombay Bicycle Club: Shuffle

Here is a recent release that will be on this London band's album, A Different Kind of Fix, which is set to be released in September.



Pre-order it here: Different Kind of Fix

Wavves: King of the Beach

Hello, Summertime. Here's some head-bangin' surfer-punk from San Diego, CA.



Buy it here: King Of The Beach (Amazon MP3 Exclusive)

Michael Kiwanuka: Tell Me A Tale

You will love this soulful song off of this British artist's recent release which reminds me of Van Morrison.

Check out his website here.

Over the Rhine: All My Favorite People

Off this Ohio-based husband-and-wife duo's 2011 album, The Long Surrender. Her voice is perfect for this kind of tune, don't you think?



Buy it here: Long Surrender

Download it here: The Long Surrender

Dom: Living in America

You can't take this New England-based band too seriously when they have an EP entitled Sun Bronzed Greek Gods, and a song with a chorus like, "it's so sexy to be living in America;" but I believe that's exactly how they want it. I also think that the lo-fi style of the music adds to their tongue-in-cheek (or, if you must, juvenile) approach.



Buy it here: Sun Bronzed Greek Gods

Gauntlet Hair: I Was Thinking

Here's a catchy song by one of the many quality rock bands coming out of Colorado.



Buy it here: Out...Don't

Minus the Bear: My Time

Here is an interesting bit of pop from last year. Minus the Bear is from Seattle. Can't you picture them working as baristas in between tours?



Buy it here: Omni

Autolux: Turnstile Blues

Going way back to 2004 for this song, off this L.A. Band's album, Future Perfect.



Future Perfect