A pretty good tune from indie band Young Buffalo. A trio out of Mississippi, they have a sound that has a bit of a British vibe to it, and could easily be mistaken for Vampire Weekend. The video is pretty interesting as well.
British soul singer, John Newman nails it with this terrific tune, Cheating. Only 21, he shows great maturity in his songwriting and his vocals. Now if I could just find a place to buy it.
Quickly becoming my new favourite song, Hero by Family of the Year. They are an indie band out of Los Angeles. They released their first album in 2009. Their break came when they were picked from over 700 groups to open for Ben Folds at his show with The Boston Pops. Enjoy Hero.
Nice song by Brooklyn based Here We Go Magic. The song, “How Do I Know” was released off their “Different Ships” album from 2012 on the “Secretly Canadian” label. Enjoy.
This is Part 2 of my list.
These songs are the ones that I will remember most from this year. It certainly appears that the world of music is beginning its move away from the pop artists that have been so prevalent and returning to the creation and production of some exceptional songs. About time I’d say. I attribute this to the web and the ability of many new artists to reach the public through such areas as Bandcamp, soundcloud, YouTube, Twitter etc. The advent of these devices has greatly expanded my musical horizons and will continue to do so.
I have chosen not to do a finite top ten list as I appreciated all of these songs and at certain times would have been my number 1. In addition, I have chosen songs new to me this year, meaning they could be from anytime, although the majority are 2012. I hope you enjoy.
Haunting melody, interesting harmonies, good video. This one snuck up on me and really grew on me.
–
These guys are on a roll. Hope they keep it up. El Camino is a great album. Hope they don’t become the Gallagher’s redux.
–
I suggest 2 things, in either order. Close your eyes and listen to the lyrics and let the sound wash through you, then open them and watch the video. Great song and message.
–
This video is a duet with a favourite of mine, Joel Plaskett. He produced her album as well. Beautiful song.
–
I don’t think Phil Spector was thinking banjos when he went with the wall of sound, but it works. And live, incredible. Singing lead, playing guitar and hitting the drum pedal.
–
One of those songs where I have absolutely no idea why I like it. I hate the video, by the way. Exceptional in its corniness.
–
I am an unabashed John Mayer fan. His consistency is amazing. Great player as well.
–
When I first heard this song on Idol as the required song in the final, I knew there was no way he would lose. For the first time in American Idol history, the chosen first single for the winner was a perfect match. I also did something I had never done for an Idol artist, I bought the song.
These songs are the ones that I will remember most from this year. It certainly appears that the world of music is beginning it’s move away from the pop artists that have been so prevalent and returning to the creation and production of some exceptional songs. About time I’d say. I attribute this to the web and the ability of many new artists to reach the public through such areas as Bandcamp, soundcloud, YouTube, Twitter etc. The advent of these devices has greatly expanded my musical horizons and will continue to do so.
I have chosen not to do a finite top ten list as I appreciated all of these songs and at certain times would have been my number 1. In addition, I have chosen songs new to me this year, meaning they could be from anytime, although the majority are 2012. I hope you enjoy.
I see great things from this Canadian singer-songwriter. Love this version, recorded live at CBC.
–
This song reached and grabbed me by the ears and shook me to a musical high. Phenomenally written song, reaching one crescendo after another.
–
Another tune that grabbed me. The more I listened, the more I liked. This song will be around for years, in movies, on TV, in commercials. Instant classic.
–
Iceland’s contribution to music this year, and a great video as well.
–
What a voice.
–
My favourite find of the year. I am really digging this act. Great voice, and different in a great way.
–
That’s a start, still have some more to pass on and will do so tomorrow. Don’t want to destroy your attention span.
Trivia Question of the Day
Who was the first singer to refuse a Grammy?
The last Question answered
What was the first album to include a lyric sheet?
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles, included a lyric sheet in 1967.
–
Introducing a Swedish trio called Niki & The Dove. “Instinct” is their first full length album release and”Tomorrow” is an interesting cut from the album. One of the commenters on the video says “She’s like the love child of Cyndi Lauper and Kate Bush, raised in the wild by fever ray”. Kind of sums it up pretty good.
Facebook – who cares
–
Trivia Question of the Day
What was the first album to include a lyric sheet?
The Young Empires are a band out of Toronto with an already impressive catalog. They are also known for making some great videos. I posted this song once before, in a new Canadian release post, but I liked it then, and I like it now. Their sound is very Arcade Fire like with a dash of Coldplay. Enjoy White Doves.
–
The good news is – Wintersleep is back with a new album. This group of Indie rockers hail from Halifax, Nova Scotia and have been together since 2001. Best known for their song Weighty Ghost (check it out here), this album has been widely anticipated. Great band.
–
The Jezabels are an Australian group of alternative/indie pop rockers. To me, their music has a bit of an updated 80’s feel. This tune is off their debut album “Prisoner” which was released in September 2011.
@theJezabels is their twitter handle
–