One of my favorite elements of shoegaze is its tendency to combine monumental, spacey guitar riffs with dreamy, oft wispy vocals. Conduits excel at this pairing on their new track “Top of the Hill”. Likewise, the typical shoegaze darkness persists, all encompassing but not entirely overwhelming. There’s energy here, but it’s not the torment so often found in post-rock.

Oddly enough, the voice is that of Jenna Morrison (Son, Ambulance), paired with the guitar meanderings of JJ Idt and Nate Mickish, the bass of Mike Overfield, keys by Patrick Newbery, and percussion form Roger Lewis to round out the band.

Conduits will release their self-titled debut on March 21 courtesy Team Love.

Download: “Top of the Hill” by Conduits

“Serpents” is a complete departure from Sharon Van Etten‘s early work. Admittedly, I missed her sophomore release, Epic from 2010, but was fully entranced by her debut, 2009′s Because I Was In Love. Here, she shatters the quietude of the stripped-down acoustic guitar of that earliest album with a folk-rock piece that is utterly haunting. Musically, “Serpent” may fit the title of her sophomore release, but it’s off her new album, Tramp, which was released yesterday via Jagjaguwar.

Download: “Serpents” by Sharon Van Etten

Black Marble is Ty Kube and Chris Stewart, who produce somewhat minimalist synth music. With a synth drum beat, a synth melody, and deep, dark vocals, “Pretender” is a song that is one part Joy Division, one part Craft Spells, and one part its own thing.

The song can be found on the band’s new EP via Hardly Art. It’s called Weight Against The Door and it’s out digitally now and on vinyl Valentine’s Day.

Download: “Pretender” by Black Marble.

After a week away, it was nice to be back in the studio. This week I played several folk-related tunes, a few garage-based ones, and a small handful of indie pop tracks. With the amount of indie-folk I’ve played of late, I’m thinking we’re in store for another dreamy mix and maybe even a garage rock mix in the near future.

Andi and I have been on a DIY kick of late and a recent project has been homemade laundry detergent. With the three ingredients displayed in the photo above, along with water, we won’t have to purchase detergent for a few years. How’s that for cost cutting, hipsters?

I’ve highlighted a few tracks below (i.e. the bold ones) for sampling purposes. Download and enjoy!

Here’s the playlist:

“No Retro” by Basemint off No Retro b/w Basemint Theme 7″
“The City Still” by Bears off Greater Lakes

“Late Night Bikes” by Capybara off Dave Drusky
“So Long” by Fruit Bats off Tripper
“Song of the City” by Isidore off Life Somewhere Else

“Serpents” by Sharon Van Etten off Tramp
“Shallow” by Beach Fossils off Shallow b/w Lessons 7″

“In The Yard” by Bowerbirds off The Clearing
“Squawk” by Y La Bamba off Court The Storm
“Chasing Crows” by The Horde And The Harem off A Long Midwinter

“Bigfoot Camero” by Bel Air off Fall
“Switch” by Guy Capecelatro III off North For The Winter
“Lungs, Dirt & Dreams” by Damon Moon & The Whispering Drifters off Lungs, Dirt & Dreams

“Bet You Never Thought It Would Be Like This” by The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir off I Bet You Say That To All The Boys

“Weekend” by Smith Westers off Daytrotter’s Big Orange Studios Session
“I Am The Assassin” by Dag för Dag off Boo

“Doing As I Do” by The Beets off Let The Poison Out
“Girl” by Milk Maid off Yucca
“Vizcaya” by Jacuzzi Boys off Glazin’

“When I See You Again” by Shimmering Stars off Ghosts Past EP
“Come Monday Night” by God Help The Girl off God Help The Girl

“Forgiveness” by Girls off Father, Son, Holy Ghost
“Mona Lisa” by Atlas Sound off Bedroom Databank Vol. 3
“Unfaithful” by Charles Leo Gebhardt IV off Unfaithful

I’m no stranger to discovering new music already in my collection. One such band is The Horde And The Harem, who’s song “Gold Rush” has been an obsession of mine since I unearthed it a few weeks ago. “Gold Rush” was released on their Harvest EP way back in 2010. So after a quick Google of the band yesterday evening, I discovered they have a brand new LP out (day of, nonetheless!) called A Long Midwinter… out February 2!

From the new album they’ve given us “Chasing Crows”, a song that follows their interesting and quite unique style of Pacific Northwest folk-pop. This style includes a deep baritone vocal accompaniment amidst an array of vocalists, a wide variety of accompanying instruments, and melodies that are highly infectious.

Hear for yourself below, and look for the band’s debut LP (and both their prior EPs) now.

Download: “Chasing Crows” by The Horde And The Harem

Download: “Gold Rush” by The Horde And The Harem

I sometimes find the diversity of my own musical tastes a bit bizarre. Just as apt to toss a classic jazz album like Kind of Blue onto the record player, I too have no qualms listening to the loudest of garage rock then switching over to something a bit folky. Especially if it’s fringe folk; artists that pack their folk-pop with instruments, take on an old-timey sound, or even head down an art-folk, freak folk, or experimental folk path.

Capybara finds themselves among the latter in that realm o’ folk. And I can’t help but become entirely intrigued by the sounds they create.

This is not the first time we have covered Capybara. We wrote about their LP, Try Brother, way back at the tail end of 2009. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long.

Back then, it was the diversification of the band’s songs that drew me in; the inclusion of chamber pop and free jazz into songs was too much to resist.

It is no surprise that this is precisely what draws me in yet again. Capybara is back with a new album called Dave Drusky and it clashes folk with other genres in quite the same way that Try Brother did three years ago.

But what astounds me here is that the songs seem a bit more cohesive. The band has found its unique place in the realm of music and it sounds very good. “Late Night Bikes” and “Neighbor Crimes” have great sounds that will undoubtedly peak your interest.

Check both songs out below and keep an eye out for Dave Drusky. The album hits February 7 via The Record Machine (the same label that brought us Cowboy Indian Bear).

Download: “Neighbor Crimes” by Capybara

Download: “Late Night Bikes” by Capybara

Portland’s Y La Bamba returns Februar 28 with a new record called Court The Storm on Tender Loving Empire. The band has just released “Squawk”, the album’s opening track, and we hear a similar South American-influenced art folk we received on their debut full-length Lupon from 2010. “Squawk” features harmony vocals, hand claps, and wild melodies. Check out the song below and keep an eye out for the new record!

Download: “Squawk” by Y La Bamba

Guy Capecelatro III’s last name may be hard to pronounce, but the list of people he’s opened for are anything but. This list includes the venerable Elliott Smith, Bill Callahan’s SMOG, and the late Vic Chesnutt. Furthermore, he’s a frequent collaborator in a current favorite: Brown Bird. Excited yet? I am.

“Like Anything” is the opening track of Capecelatro III’s new LP, North For The Winter, out February 21. It may be brief at a minute-thirty, but within you’ll get a nice percussive shuffle, a musical saw, harmony vocals, a chill guitar stum, and catchy romantic lyrics.

As a fan of the softer, more endearing side of folk music, there’s no question whether or not I fancy songs such as “Like Anything” and its descendant “Switch”. Further: North For The Winter” has a full 18 tracks on the album, so there’s plenty to love.

Check out “Like Anything” below and look for North For The Winter soon on Dromedary Records.

Download: “Like Anything

Isidore, if you’re unaware, is Jeffrey Cain (formerly of Remy Zero) and Steve Kilbey (The Church), with the former on instrumentals and the latter lending vocal expertise. The collaboration came as a surprise, after Cain passed along an instrumental album to Kilbey only to receive it back later with vocals added in. The duo is now poised to release Life Somewhere Else on Valentine’s Day.

On the album you can find “Song Of The City”, a tune that is mesmerizing with Kilbey’s deep baritone and dreamy with Cain’s airy instrumentals. Immediately we are given an entirely memorable vocal hook with the song’s chorus; it’s one part folk yet seething with pop sensibilities. This one will get in your head and force you to hit the repeat button a few times.

Check out the song below and look for Life Somewhere Else on Communicating Vessels on February 14.

Download: “Song Of The City” by Isidore

I wasn’t originally planning on doing a show this evening, but decided to take my normal spot behind the microphone anyway. So the playlist didn’t begin coming together until the evening of. There was no theme, it was all variety; folk to electronic to noise rock.

If you missed it, here’s the list:

“The Crystal Cat” by Dan Deacon by Spiderman Of The Rings
“A Dark God Heart” by Sleep Party People off We Were Drifting On A Sad Song

“The Harvest” by Teen Daze off A Silent Planet
“Lately” by Memoryhouse off The Years EP

“The Organ Grinder” by The Migrant off Travels In Lowland
“Ten Sleep, WY” by Damon Moon and The Whispering Drifters off Lungs, Dirt & Dreams
“Martha Ann” by David Karsten Daniels off Fear Of Flying

“Lowtide” by O’Death off Broken Hymns, Limbs And Skin
“Blood Of Angels” by Brown Bird off Salt For Salt
“Lonely Mountain” by Paladino off Paladino

“Gold Rush” by The Horde and the Harem off Harvest EP
“Marathon Runner” by Yellow Ostrich off Strange Land
“Neighbor Crimes” by Capybara off Dave Drusky

“Promise I Won’t Laugh” by Barna Howard off Barna Howard

“Summertime Cowboy” by Husky Rescue off Country Falls
“Pariah” by Mike Wexler off Dispossession
“The Sun Is Going Down II” by Sóley off We Sink

“Enchanted Humanoid” by Steve Moore off Brainstorm

“Broken Record” by Eux Autres off Sun Is Sunk
“Hitman” by Wax Idols off No Future

“Arab Spring” by Literature off Arab Sprint
“Junebouvier” by Whirl off June

“Wait For Us” by Mind Spiders off Meltdown
“Busted Lip” by Odonis Odonis off Hollandaze
“Coma Summer” by Weekend off Sports

I always get excited when something new by Eux Autres comes across my desk. The ex-Portland, now San Francisco brother-sister duo plus third member Yoshi Nakamoto (The Aislers Set, Still Flyin’) will release a new EP called Sun Is Sunk via Bons Mots Records on February 28. Recorded by Jason Quever (Papercuts), expect Sun Is Sunk to push the boundaries of what you know about Eux Autres.

The Larimer siblings (Heather and Nicholas) have always created highly infectious, French-influenced garage pop, and that continues in “Right Again”. No surprise: “Right Again” has plenty of rough, gritty guitar riffs and choppy, punchy drum licks. Here the band employs harmony vocals in a way entirely new and very intriguing.

“Right Again” will get inside your head and stay there. It’s delightful!

Download: “Right Again” by Eux Autres

I love it when N8 submits his year-end lists. They are unpretentious, span a vast repertoire of genres, and typically include several albums I have yet to hear. N8′s 2011 list fits the mold: in fact, I have yet to listen to any of the ones that made the list this year. Now this is not by lack of want or know — I’m familiar with many of the albums, just haven’t gotten around to them. Dig in and enjoy!

Intro by Fense

* * * * *

1 Helms Alee / Weatherhead / Hydra Head

Amazingly good music from this Seattle rock trio. Weatherhead has all the ingredients for awesomeness: catchy hooks ‘n’ riffs, wide-ranging dynamics, unusual time signatures and polyrhythms, urgent pummeling from Hozoji Matheson-margullis, who became my new favorite drummer at the Weatherhead release show (presented by local radio station KEXP’s Seek & Destroy, with Akimbo, Brothers Of The Sonic Cloth, and Norska on 6/29/11 at Neumos). Helms also stole the show during the stellar Torche/Big Business event (8/4/11 at Neumos), which is saying something. I also appreciate that singing duties are shared amongst all three members. Weatherhead is only their second album – keep an ear out for their future output. Highlights: “Pretty As Pie”, “Elbow Grease”, and “8/16″, but it’s best when experienced front-to-back.

* * * * *

2 Mastodon / The Hunter / Reprise

On Mastodon’s fifth studio album, the Atlanta progressive metal quartet comes with an abundance of more-accessible songs than usual while retaining their unique overall sound. Complexity remains from section to section, but arrangements wander less within compositions which sound more focused than on past albums (the longest song here is 5:31), with catchier riffs and more singable lyrical passages. And as with Helms Alee, it’s welcome to hear vocal duties spread amongst each musician.

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3 The Beach Boys / The SMiLE Sessions / Capitol

After 40+ years and alternative iterations of material that was to be The Beach Boys’ follow-up to their 1966 masterpiece Pet Sounds, SMiLE was finally released this year in the most complete version to date using the original material recorded in 1966/1967. Although some transitions from track-to-track aren’t as tight as they could be (Brian Wilson’s 2004 SMiLE is more realized in this aspect), it’s great to hear the songs and the harmonies sung by The Boys themselves (Wilson re-recorded his solo version). But the real gems here are the extras, which include the obligatory demos, unused takes, and alternate mixes of songs, as well as a lot of studio dialog, which provides fascinating insight into the creative process of what would become the most famous unreleased album between 1967 and 2011.

* * * * *

4 Wild Flag / Wild Flag / Merge

Carrie Brownstein doesn’t think the term “supergroup” fits Wild Flag, but when each of the separate parts have previously established themselves in other bands as being “super”, and when the music you’re making in the new band is “super”, what should it be called? Wild Flag is loaded with bluesy rockin’ fun twin-lead guitar jams propelled by Janet Weiss’s powerful drumming. Highlights include “Racehorse”, “Romance”, “Black Tiles”, and that sweet tapped-guitar part Mary Timony busts out at 1:49 of “Short Version”. It’s super good.

* * * * *

5 tUnE-yArDs / W H O K I L L / 4AD

Excellent sophomore album from Merrill Garbus, who got some help this time from Nate Brenner (bass/co-wrote four songs). Make no mistake though: this is Garbus’s show, which is especially apparent when seeing tUnE-yArDs live (check out video from my favorite KEXP in-studio of 2011 ). She plays the vast majority of the sounds, looping multiple athletic vocal passes, ukulele, two drums, tambourine, etc. into a fantastic rock/Afro-beat/folk hybrid. Highlights: “You Yes You”, “Bizness”, “Gangsta”, “Killa”, “My Country”.

* * * * *

6 Rush / Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland / Roadrunner

Canadian rock power-trio Rush has released more live albums than most bands’ studio output, but this recording of a single entire concert from their Time Machine Tour is special for a couple reasons: it includes two songs that will be included on their next studio album (Clockwork Angels, planned for a spring 2012 release), and they’re both rockin’-good: “BU2B” and “Caravan”. Secondly, and the main selling point of the Tour, is hearing the entire Moving Pictures album (one of their best) live in sequence. As with every Rush show, it includes the latest epic Neil Peart drum solo (“Moto Perpetuo”), this time including a few more New Agey-sounding bits (it’s not as bad as it sounds) and a play-along with Cole Porter’s “Love For Sale”. Unfortunate song order splits Moving Pictures between the two CDs (though the split is consistent with the vinyl format), and bassist/singer Geddy Lee strains a bit with some of the vocals here and there. Otherwise, this is another excellent document of live Rush spanning their 37 years of studio albums. Highlights: “The Camera Eye”, “YYZ”, “Leave That Thing Alone”, “Caravan”, “La Villa Strangiato”.

* * * * *

7 Matthew Shipp, William Parker, Beans, and HPrizm / Knives From Heaven / Thirsty Ear

In addition to all the work HPrizm (High Priest) and Beans have done in avant-garde hip-hop group Anti-Pop Consortium, and the decades of collaborating between jazzbos Matthew Shipp and William Parker (who also have long histories with avant-garde/free jazz), these four have made music together before (Antipop Consortium Vs Matthew Shipp, 2003). This album builds on that project’s sound, though this has less of an improvised, jazzy feel; if there were disagreements in the studio, it sounds like HPrizm got his way. Knives From Heaven has the usual futuristic sound typical of his group’s albums (this often sounds like an instrumental Anti-Pop project), but when it fires on all cylinders, the synergy emerges in aural pleasure. Hopefully these collaborations continue, but for now this is the new high watermark of jazz-hip-hop hybrid. Highlights: “This Is For My Brother The Wind”, “And Then A Voice Says”, “Half Amazed A/B”, “2Piece”.

* * * * *

8 Kleptonaut / The Golden Age Of Space Travel / self-released

An excellent album from Hillsborough, North Carolina’s Jeff Sheilds (aka Kleptonaut, aka Podcast Troubadour) that blends acoustic instruments and electronics into a diverse set of richly-textured IDM tunes. “Android Bop” fits nicely alongside Aphex Twin’s prettier music. “All Systems Go” is reminiscent of The Books. “All My Bleep’n Funky Friends Are Coming Over Tonight” sounds like Ween’s “Blue Balloon” synth got drunk and crashed a dance party. Sounds like Brian Eno had some influence on “Recapitulation Demonstration”, with slashing guitar chords from The Edge. “Blarburgonia” is more ambient than most of the other material. Highlights: “Recapitulation Demonstration”, “Zen Zen Peaks”, “RrRageRrR”.

* * * * *

9 Battles / Gloss Drop / Warp

The follow-up to progressive math rock band Battles’ debut album Mirrored (which itself appeared on best-of lists at the end of 2007) was anxiously awaited, and rewards the patient with tight, rhythmic journeys. With the departure of guitarist/singer Tyondai Braxton between albums there seemed to be a void for vocals, which the remaining members wisely filled with excellent guest spots from Matias Aguayo, Gary Numan, Kazu Makino (Blonde Redhead), and Yamantaka Eye (Boredoms); the other eight songs have no vocals. Highlights: “Ice Cream”, “Wall Street”, “Sweetie & Shag”, “Inchworm”, “Sundome”.

* * * * *

10 Atlas Sound / Parallax / 4AD

It’s weird to call Atlas Sound the side-project of Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox, because his solo music is so good in itself. Parallax is simply loaded with great songs and performances, and the close-mic’d vocals lend an appropriate intimacy for such a personal project; you can hear breathing and mouth noises, which only add lushness to the densely-layered tracks. Highlights: “The Shakes”, “Te Amo”, “Terra Incognita”, “Amplifiers”, “Angel Is Broken”, “Lightworks”.

It finally happened. Winter arrived. Snow fell and we woke up this past Sunday with about three inches of the stuff. I’m glad it didn’t arrive earlier, as Friday saw me at KSVR for a four hour stint of music.

The first two hours flirted with folk music and the latter half was full-on garage rock, garage pop and psychedelic pop. Much of the 10 to midnight show came courtesy Finest Kiss, who posted some great 2011 lists.

Taking a week off from radio this Friday, as in appreciated for covering Stuarto’s show on the 13th he’ll be covering mine on the 20th. Here’s the list. Get ready, it’s a long one!

“Sunset Tulips” by Night Genes off Like The Blood
“What Never Comes” by Crooked Fingers off Forfeit/Fortune
“Cavern In A Square” by Ham 1 off Let’s Go On And On And On With Ham 1

“Valhalla” by Jack Wilson off S/T
“End of Days” by Brown Bird off Salt For Salt
“Can’t You Tell” by Vetiver off The Errant Charm

“My Pillow Is The Threshold” by Silver Jews off Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea
“The Stations” by The Gutter Twins off Saturnalia
“Be Invited” by The Twilight Singers off Dynamite Steps

“Sixteen, Maybe Less” by Iron & Wine with Calexico off In The Reins
“Changing” by The Moondoggies off Don’t Be A Stranger

“The Wrong Light” by Kasey Anderson and The Honkeys off Heart of a Dog

“Close My Eyes” by Ólöf Arnalds off Ólöf Sings
“Smoke Will Rise” by The Lower 48 off Where All Maps End

“Wings Won’t Behave” by Whistle Peak off Half Asleep Upon Echo Falls

“Alphabet” by The Twilight Sad off No One Can Ever Know
“The Jessica Numbers” by The New Pornographers off Twin Cinema
“Yoshi Battles The Pink Robots Pt. 1″ by The Flaming Lips off Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots

“Here Comes Success” by Royal City off 1999-2004
“No Reply” by Giant Sand off Chore of Enchantment
“October Boy” by Mick Harvey off Sketches from the Book of the Dead

“Dance” by Astrid Williamson off Pulse

“Moon See, Day See” by The Heligoats off Live Free & Let Loose
“Golden Friends” by Leopold And His Fiction

“Don’t Wait” by Bears off Greater Lakes
“Summer Gang” by Afternoon Naps off Summer Gang 7″

“If You Choose To Stay” by The Webelos off Shadow Seasons
“(I’ve Got) Trouble In Mind” by The Limiñanas off (I’ve Got) Trouble In Mind 7″
“Israeli Blues” by Index off Black Album + Red Album + Yesterday & Today [Disc-1]

“As Times Change” by Sea Lions off Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sea Lions But Were Afraid To Ask
“Can You Feel The Backwash” by A Classic Education off Call It Blazing
“Pretty When You Smile” by Sweater Girls off Pretty When You Smile 7″

“Pretty Ballerina” by Left Banke off There’s Gonna Be A Storm – The Complete Recordings 1966-1969
“Like Dylan in the Movies” by Belle & Sebastian off If You’re Feeling Sinister
“Conventional Lullabies” by Young And Sexy off Panic When You Find It

“Roosevelt Island” by Eleanor Friedberger off Last Summer
“Dour Percentage” by Of Montreal off Paralytics Stalks
“The Golden Age” by The Resonars off Bright And Dark

“Catamaran” by Allah-Las off Catamaran b/w Long Journey
“Malkaus” by The Panthers off Pakistan: Folk and Pop Instrumentals 1966-1976
“Where You Gonna Go” by People’s Temple off Sons Of Stone

“Invitations” by Puberty off Invitations 7″
“Shari Vari” by The Dirtbombs” off Party Store

“Tuscaloosa Bar” by Indian Wars off Walk Around The Park

“Sycamore Tree” by Crystal Stilts off In Love With Oblivion
“Raspberry Thighs” by The Mantles off Raspberry Thighs 7″
“Bad Feeling” by Veronica Falls off Veronica Falls

“Give Me Back My Man” by Boyracer off Little Darla Has A Treat For You [Vol. 24 Disc 1]
“Blowing Kisses” by Exlovers off Blowing Kisses 7″
“So High” by Ringo DeathStarr off Colour Trip

“Plastic Disaster” by Little Cuts off Plastic Disaster 7″
“I Wanna Join The Army” by Dan Sartain off Too Tough To Live

“The Start of Something” by Voxtrot off The Start Of Something

It’s hard to imagine that just a few short months ago we were enjoying sunny summer days. 2011 was my best year yet, having achieved a few milestones: four and a half years running FensePost, riding my bike from Seattle to Portland and logging over 1,000 total on those two wheels between January and December, enjoying life with the love of my life (Andi), and a few defining mindset changes that put the two of us on a path to minimalism and frugality.

All of this has led to happiness. That the year saw the release of hundreds of great songs, singles, EPs and LPs was just an added bonus.

Over the holiday, I sat down and compiled a list of my top EPs of the year. It was in advance of my Friday radio show, for that show, so the list is a bit longer than would be otherwise. I present my top 24 EPs of the 2011, two dozen extended plays of pure bliss… with a few added 7″ singles to flesh out the list.

* * * * *

24. Goethe Head Soup by Crystal Swells

Crystal Swells is a raucous post rock meets slightly sloppy garage-y punk band out of BC. Loud and fun, this band has plenty of hooks to maintain high interest. Get ready to have your face melted off; these guys are intense.

Download: “Mellow Californian

* * * * *

23. Spirit Home by Ryan Trott

Ryan Trott creates some very interesting lo-fi beach pop. As one third of the band Family Trees (and the vocal counterpart at that), it should not be surprising that his solo stuff lines up pretty well with that band. Here he produces yet another solid release.

Download: “Gentle Eyes (For Daisy)” by Ryan Trott

* * * * *

22. New Brighton by Said The Whale

The first time I heard “Sandy Bay Fishing Song”, I had to do a quick search on this band to see if the head vocalist was also a member of They Might Be Giants. This band has that vocal sound without being weird, childish, and bat-shit crazy. In fact, take TMBG vocals and put behind them clever lyrics, excellent pop-rock hooks, and you’ll have Said The Whale.

Download: “Lines” by Said The Whale

* * * * *

21. Paint The Town by David Newton & Thee Mighty Angels

With a modern twist to an 80s synth pop vibe, David Newton & Thee Mighty Angels was a bit of a surprise. Yet the songs this band creates stick with you and are thoroughly enjoyable.

Download: “Paint The Town” by David Newton & Thee Mighty Angels

* * * * *

20. Parlours EP by Parlours

Parlours is a lovely little band from Des Moines and their self-titled EP blends an earnest style of indie pop with the intimate nature of indie folk. “I Dream of Chicago” is an easy favorite, with harmony male/female vocals and a backing chorus of strings.

Listen: “I Dream Of Chicago” by Parlours

* * * * *

19. Among Friends by Suturee

Honestly, it took me quite a while to get into this five-song EP. I really enjoyed the first album the band sent me, and Among Friends should have been an instant favorite, but it wasn’t. After several listens, it finally clicked and the powerful tracks like closer “Name Remains” became eventual favorites.

Download: “Name Remains” by Suturee

* * * * *

18. Summer Demos by The Novel Ideas

For some reason, The Novel Ideas remind me of bands like The Lucksmiths and Math & Physics Club. I think it’s because they sound like they could be a US-based or southern-hemisphere based band on Matinee Records. I really enjoyed this all-too brief four-song demo EP, enough for it to come in at number 18.

Download: “On Fire” by The Novel Ideas

* * * * *

17. Take My Hand by Orca Team

From Seattle comes Orca Team, a band that creates super infectious lo-fi dance-worthy beach pop. This band has the sound of 1960s pop written all over it, and this single is a perfect example of how that sound continues to thrive. Take My Hand is the second single I’ve grabbed by these guys and gals and it’s my favorite one yet.

Listen: “Take My Hand” by Orca Team

* * * * *

16. From Silence by Exitmusic

Dreamy and mystical, Exitmusic creates songs perfect for those moments in the early morning when the light is dim and the fog is heavy. Blast any of these songs at that time of day, when the coffee is just hitting your veins, and I’d bet money that you’ll shiver in delight.

Download: “The Sea” by Exitmusic

* * * * *

15. Pink Information by The Mantles

I struggled at first with Pink Information. The Mantles’ self-titled LP was among my favorites the year it was released, and remains a mainstay in my playlist to this day; the EP just doesn’t have that same sound I fell in love with on that album. It has grown on me, though, and comes in at #16. Many will dub “Lily Never Married” as the highlight, but closing track “Waiting Out The Storm” is what does it for me.

Download: “Situations” by The Mantles

* * * * *

14. Whatever I Want by Jeff The Brotherhood

Granted, Whatever I Want is not an EP, but I decided to slip in a few singles. Employing some of the techniques from the days of 90s grunge, and taking it to a new level of epic-ness, Jeff The Brotherhood has dominated in creating excellent rock anthems over the past few years. The A-Side on this 7-inch was not on the band’s 2011 LP, which makes its appearance on this list notable.

Watch: “Whatever I Want” by Jeff the Brotherhood

* * * * *

13. An Argument With Myself by Jens Lekman

Oh, the always quirky Jens Lekman. Always a favorite, and his 2011 EP, An Argument With Myself is no exception. Not quite as poppy as the last LP, this is still more than worthy of your time and money.

Download: “An Argument With Myself” by Jens Lekman

* * * * *

12. (I’ll Beat My Chest Like) King Kong by BOAT

It’s hard not to like BOAT. The band is so fun, off-the-wall interesting and unique. Even though I’m now in my thirties and weird songs rarely find their way into my playlist, BOAT has never had a problem getting on there. I guess we all need to feel like a kid sometime, and they make it so easy and fun.

Watch: “(I’ll Beat My Chest Like) King Kong” by BOAT

* * * * *

11. Earth Division by Mogwai

Earth Division is one of two releases Mogwai gave us in 2011. I love its simplicity, it’s classical leanings, and, of course, post rock sensibilities. It begins soft with “Get To France” and continues that trend in “Hound Of Winter”, where the band adds vocals. Then “Drunk And Crazy” explodes with loud guitars. And it concludes with a song just as soft and melodic as the opening track. This is one cohesive piece of music with four movements. Brilliant!

* * * * *

10. Alabama Shakes by Alabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes have and old soul sound, one that hints of Daptone and the 60s. Of late we’re getting a lot of reissues of these records, which is great, but Alabama Shakes show that this style lives strong today.

Download: “I Found You” by Alabama Shakes

* * * * *

09. Via Flamina by Futurebirds

I’m new to Futurebirds. This is their most recent release, and one of two EPs they put out in 2011. In 2010, they gave us an LP, of which I too have not heard. But boy do I love Via Flamina! Futurebirds have easily cracked the top 10 with this one!

Download: “Wild Heart” by Futurebirds

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08. The Years by Memoryhouse

I love the mystical dreamy nature of Memoryhouse. And that they sampled a main theme from one of my favorite films, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, for “Lately”. The Years is the band’s solid debut on Sub Pop, and I cannot wait to hear what this band has in store for us in 2012!

Download: “Quiet America” by Memoryhouse

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07. What A Pleasure by Beach Fossils

Beach Fossils stunned with their 2010 self-titled release. What A Pleasure is their stellar follow-up and has been a mainstay in my playlist all year. The beachy, lo-fi pop music trend may have slowed this year, but I still dig it!

Download: “Calyer” by Beach Fossils

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06. Begin Again by Charles Leo Gebhardt IV

Some music just makes you happy. To me, that’s Charles Leo Gebhardt IV. Everything about this artist makes me smile. The curled orange mustache he sported during this last EP, saying his name out loud (especially that one), but most importantly the music he creates. Begin Again is the perfect follow up to Unfaithful.

Download: “Chapel Of Roses” by Charles Leo Gebhardt IV

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05. Warma by Darlings

Darlings have the 90s written all over them. Those heavy rock guitar riffs, hints of garage, plentiful vocal hooks, and hefty drums. I loved their debut LP, but I think Warma is even better.

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04. Tall Cedars of Lebanon by The Lovely Sparrows

There will always be a special place in my heart for The Lovely Sparrows. Not only are they among the most friendly, humble musicians I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, Shawn Jones and company are immensely skilled musicians and songwriters. This was proven on their earliest of EPs, followed through on their LP from a few years back, and continued in full force here.

Download: “National Monuments” by The Lovely Sparrows

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03. Paper Crush by Letting Up Despite Great Faults

The debut LP from Letting Up Despite Great Faults should really have been much higher on my end of year list from a few years back, but it wasn’t. So I made sure to give their new EP a good listen well in advance of this year’s list. From “Sophia In Gold” to “Teenage Tide”, this EP easily deserves a top 3 spot.

Download: “Teenage Tide” by Letting Up Despite Great Faults

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02. A Good Woman Is Hard To Find by PAPA

Perhaps one of the biggest surprises of the year, A Good Woman Is Hard To Find by PAPA is a collection of 5 powerfully strong tracks by a band that consists of Darren Weiss and Daniel Presant, two supporting members of the hyped up band Girls. It should be no surprise, then that the two front a project just as hype-worthy as the band they support.

Download: “Ain’t It So” by PAPA

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01. A New Kind Of House by Typhoon

Opening track “The Honest Truth” by Typhoon comes in as #1 in my most-listened-to songs of 2011, logging nearly 200 digital plays in iTunes, at least a dozen on vinyl, and I’m sure plenty more on my iPods that were never recorded. As a whole, A New Kind Of House is a powerful folk-pop EP packed with great songwriting, supported by expert orchestration, and filled with full vocal harmony. This EP easily deserves its pedestal position.

Download: “Summer Home” by Typhoon

Mexican Summer is the type of label that when it puts out an album, you give it your full attention. Unfortunately, I’ve been vacant of late. This is tragic, though the good news is that Mike Wexler has brought me back into the Mexican Summer light. A dreamy psychedelic pop sound, filled with chill ambient sounds, borderline haunting with Wexler’s vocal rasp. It makes songs like “Pariah” very cool.

Dispossession is his new album (sophomore release but first on Mexican Summer) and on it you can find “Pariah”. There is no doubt this is one worth hearing; it has all the elements of greatness. A catchy melody, mystical instrumentation, and unique vocals make “Pariah” an instant hit.

Look for Mike Wexler’s Dispossession, out March 6 on Mexican Summer.

Mike Wexler – Pariah by Mexican Summer

Brutal honesty: I’m stuck on Helvetia’s 2011 album The Lam right now. In particular the first track (“Saucer of Dread”) and track 3 (“On the Lam”). Helvetia has returned with a new track called “A Mirror” and it embodies precisely why I dig this band: epic soundscapes, driving shoegaze riffs, hazy melodies, downtrodden vocals.

“A Mirror” will grip your soul and twist it mercilessly, and you? You will enjoy it.

helvetia- a mirror by helvetiamusic

In a way, I kind of miss the days when Of Montreal gave us songs like “Disconnect the Dots” and “The Party’s Crashing Us” and even “The Past Is A Grotesque Animal”. Paralytic Stalks seems a different beast entirely, filled with further psychedelic pop experimentation than we’re used to from Kevin Barnes and company. The more I listen to it, the more I get it. This album is not supposed to be an easy listen.

“Dour Percentage” is the first single from the new album, and as singles go it’s a little catchier and a little more accessible than the rest of Paralytic Stalks. There are elements here that are a bit new to Of Montreal — the inclusion of woodwinds, the sheer complexity in song composition, and the intensely personal nature of songwriting. We’ve heard these before from time to time, namely in more recent years Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? to now.

Of Montreal continues to demonstrate they are a band to be reckoned with, one to be taken seriously, and one capable of intricate musicianship and songwriting. To sum it up, “Dour Percentage” may not be the easiest Of Montreal song to listen to. This continues throughout Paralytic Stalks. But some of the best albums begin this way; they grow on you, get under your skin, are well ahead of their time, and ultimately become genius works of art in their own unique way.

I strongly believe this will be that type of album.

Paralytic Stalks arrives February 7 via Polyvinyl Records.

Download: “Dour Percentage” by Of Montreal

In the layers between folk music and pop music lays a fantastical world where I often enjoy spending time. It is here I discover some of my favorite songs, bands and albums. Today’s band is a new find, and it comes from this mystical land of upbeat storytelling, catchy riffs and subtle hints of a country sound. Whistle Peak joins together experimental folk with electronic pop.

“Wings Won’t Behave” is a new track off their forthcoming LP, Half Asleep Upon Echo Falls out February 14 on Karate Body Records. The album is available digitally and on compact disc, though a rare 250 people will also enjoy a limited pressing on teal vinyl while supplies last.

“Wings Won’t Behave” blends synthesizers with acoustic guitars and lo-fi percussion on the instrument side, while vocals front the music with a peaceful, soft and dreamy coo. Head over to bandcamp to grab the song for a buck and hear the band’s self-titled release from 2008.

Whistle Peak, “Wings Won’t Behave” by karatebody

Something dark and immense haunts the pop that Ben Heywood (Summer Darling) masters on his new release Skills for the Long Emergency under the name Heywood. From the depths of a post rock, shoegaze haze, Heywood will just as readily produce mind-melting noise as it will dive into an obscure, dream-like melody.

The former is where we find ourselves at the early moments of “Spectacular Violence”, with a wild guitar riff. But Heywood is not one to stay in once place too long; he demonstrates this quickly as the loud guitars drop to a near bouncy pop melody. For a moment there, I had recolections of All Smiles, but with an affinity for noisy post rock sensibilities.

Check out Skills for the Long Emergency, out now on Velvet Blue Music.

Download: “Spectacular Violence” by Heywood

Brooklyn based Lightouts are Greg Nelson and Gavin Rhodes. The duo creates thick and fully developed rock music pulsing with electric guitar solos and clean, rolling harmonies. Progressive and balanced, the band’s sound is reminiscent of 90’s alt rock and 70’s glam rock dance halls; their music just makes you feel good. These guys have a true gift for musicianship, structure, and layering; they know what they’re doing and they do it well. Frivolous, motivated, tightly focused and refreshingly energetic, Lightouts are a welcomed cure for winter blues.

Check out their collection of singles via their website

Lightouts by Lightouts