Stuff You Should Listen To!

November 19th, 2009

Listen!

Just in case your iPod is looking a little dry these days, might I recommend some tunes for you to spice things up again?

The Sunshine Underground is one of England’s rising musical talents, after capturing the attention of audiences all over Britain in 2005 when the lads won a BBC Battle of the Bands competition. This four-piece band from Leeds released their first album Raise The Alarm (2006) which contained the incredibly catchy songs, “Borders” and “Commerical Breakdown”. The Sunshine Underground has been M.I.A for the last couple of years much to fans’ disapproval, however are in the midst of making a comeback tour. They have recently released their new EP Everything, Right Now, with their feature track “Coming to Save You”. The full second album is anticipated to be released in February 2010. It’s well worth the wait, so don’t get your knickers in a twist!

Fact: The band named themselves after The Chemical Brothers’ song “The Sunshine Underground”, from the album Surrender.

Sounds like: Franz Ferdinand and the Chemical Brothers’ love-child. TSU produces a variety of punk, dance-rock, funk, and indie sounds.

Julian Casablancas’s song “Glass” from his solo album has been the tune that is nearly impossible to shake from my head. The lead singer from The Strokes graces us with his soulful solo album, released November 3, 2009 Phrazes For The Young. Combining his smooth vocals with an electronic-futuristic sound, accompanied by lyrics that seem to have something to say to everyone. The album is chock-full of upbeat and mellow, chaos and control. Casablancas, now free from the stylistic constraints that came from being a part of the Strokes, re-invents himself in a manner that allows for experimental freedom. Julian Casablancas’s Phrazes For The Young is his first solo album.

Top songs on the Album: “Glass”, “Tourist”, and “11th Dimension”

The album Alas I Cannot Swim (February 2008) from the British folk-pop singer Laura Marling will soon be recognized by many. With multiple sold-out shows sweeping across Europe and Australia, this nineteen-year-old singer/songwriter wrote her first album by the age of seventeen. The lyrics in this album portray Marling to be wise beyond her years, with magical lyrics comparable to that of Regina Spektor and Joni Mitchell. The Songs “Ghosts” and “New Romantic” speak to anyone who has ever loved and been loved. And let’s face it, it’s break-up season. Looking for a new artist to distract yourself with? May Laura Marling’s wisdom be with you!

Tags: Julian Casablancas, laura marling, music, new music, the sunshine underground