November Playlist

I'm finally learning how to post on time. Of course I'm still behind the schedule, but at least November Playlist is not coming out after Christmas.

Olenka and the Autumn Lovers - Odessa

The Eastern European roots of the lead singer Olenka Krakus proudly manifest themselves in her quirky folk pop.

Karkwa - Dors Dans Mon Sang

I continue to discover the beauty of Karkwa. After listening to this song, you will feel literally feel the "sleep in your blood". A great song that builds upon itself until a quiet, but resolute denouement.

Joshua Radin - You Got What I Need

Being a close friend of Zach Braff, Josh Radin first presented his songs to the world in Braff's TV series "Scrubs". His simple, melodic songs were a perfect background for the adventures of America's favourite team of interns. Yet, the new incarnation of Radin sees more of Ray Lamontagne then of old Radin, who, to be honest, was beginning to get lost in the sea of raspy-voiced singer-songwriters. The change is a welcome one.

The Wooden Sky - Oh My God (It Still Means A Lot To Me)

Canadian country-folk with catchy hooks. What can be better?

KT Tunstall - Lost

KT's latest album Tiger Suit unfortunately seems to be less inspired than the previous Drastic Fantastic, with the solid tracks "Lost" and "(Still A) Weirdo" being the exceptions rather than the rule.

Carla Morrison - Compartir

Born in Tecate, a Mexican town bordering California, Carla initially formed a band and sang in English. In what is quite an unusual move for many bilingual singers, she decided to revert to her native language, and she hasn't looked back since.

Lovers - Barnacle

Synth pop brought to you by a female Portland trio. 

A.P. Witomski - Holger Danske

A.P. Witomski is not afraid to throw instruments into the mix - listening to his album, you won't be hard pressed to hear an organ mingling with a banjo, only to be followed by a piano. It all works well to create beautiful soundscapes. To continue exploring, you can download all of A.P. Witomski's album at Bandcamp for free.

School Of Seven Bells - Windstorm

Random Wikipedia fact: the band is named a mythical South American school for pickpockets.

Evening Hymns - Broken Rifle

After having seen Evening Hymns open for Timber Timbre in September, I quickly became a fan. They put on a great performance by combining raw sensibility with beautiful melodies.

Bedouin Soundclash - Brutal Hearts (ft. Couer de Pirate)

Ahhh, Bedouin Soundclash is back. Numerous fans of "reggae/ska for white people" have been waiting for way too long since the 2007's Street Gospels. The lead vocalist  Jay Malinowski didn't come alone this time, he invited for a duet his girlfriend and Canadian indie darling Couer de Pirate.

Computer Magic - About You

Computer Magic is a moniker for a young girl Danz who lives in Brooklyn and makes music whenever she has time.

Houlette -Tee Vee

Houlette, led by the front woman Felicity Cripps, seamlessly weaves old and new, held together by soft vocals and guitar riffs.

Cut Copy - Where I'm Going

Am I excited for Cut Copy's upcoming album Zonoscope? Just as much as when I find a bag full of candy in the long-forgotten pocket of backpack. Both are bursting with overwhelming flavour and both will leave you wanting more. But one of them will not give you cavities.

Blue Hawaii - Blue Gowns

Glitchy, poppy, synthy spaceship has landed and we're all taken prisoner.

Cee-Lo Green - F**k You

What an infectious, fun, and most importantly, male-empowering track! This is Cee-Lo's response to Alanis' "You Oughta Know". Not really, but you get the plot - boy meets girl, girl chooses another one, boy becomes successful artist, boy sings about the girl and tells her to basically go f**k herself.

Christian Hansen & the Autistics - Don't Leave Her Out

Sophisticated dance pop - you can finally wear your leather pants and monocle together.

Dead Man's Bones - Pa Pa Power

Dead Man's Bones is  band composed of Zach Shields and Ryan Gosling. Yes, that Ryan Gosling. I guess after "The Notebook", he decided to try his luck in music. Can't blame him - it would be hard to top that tissue classic.  Dead Man's Bones, backed by children's choir, is an impressive side project, and I hope this is not the last time we hear of them.

 Hooded Fang - Highway Steam

The playfulness of the trumpet and the racing, almost accelerating, rhythm in this Toronto band remind me of the better parts of Belle and Sebastian.

Generationals - Trust

Reminiscent of the hipness and swagger of Phoenix.

Simian Mobile Disco - I Believe

I apologize for being behind the times, but I have only heard this song last month, and my fingers are still break-dancing on the keyboard without my permission.

Best of November 2010 Playlist .ZIP file