[Two Nine]

Portugal The Man - The Dead Dog [snag]

These guys are from Alaska, based in Portland, and just put out a new album, which this track is on.  The lead singer’s voice is killer, and the overall sound is pretty unique.  And they’re from Alaska…did I mention that?  Weird.

Aloe Blacc - I Need A Dollar [snag]

Check out some new soul from a guy who’s been around a while, from what I hear.  I also hear this is the lead track on a new HBO show, which I might have known if I had HBO.

Plushgun - Just Impolite [snag]

This is an indie rock synth-pop band from Brooklyn, NY.  I do realize that ‘indie rock’ is about as meaningless as it gets when describing music.  My mother’s from Brooklyn in case you were wondering.  I like this song.  They have newer stuff, as this song’s a few years old.

Angus & Julia Stone - Silver Coin [snag]

This brother/sister combo is from Australia, which is always a bummer because that means their touring over here is always going to be limited.  This song lead me to investigate and I discovered they have an album coming out this week.  Sidenote: Natalie Portman is rumored to be a fan, which is rumored to be enough for me to buy in.

Hot Chip - And I Was A Boy From School [snag]

I can’t remember if Hot Chip made the [twenty-nine] mixtapes, but I can tell you they came very close if not.  They’ve just put out a great new album called One Life Stand you should check out.

Gorillaz - Superfast Jellyfish [snag]

New Gorillaz album came out just recently, and it’s just as fun and interesting as the previous efforts.  I’ve always had a thing for this project from Damon Albarn (from Blur), because not many people would consider ‘starting a band’ with a comic book creator.  The whole thing’s basically a multi-media experiment, and yet the music remains supercatchy.

Paulo Nutini - Wake Up (Arcade Fire Cover) [snag]

I remember when Nutini popped onto the scene, a young prodigy with a poppy sensibility and vocal chords that wouldn’t quit.  He’s still at it, and I’d argue that he’s matured in the right way as a singer. Lot of soul in this kid.

Big ups to (my sister) @assonance82 for hunting this.

Tunng - Hustle [snag]

Tunng comes to you from London, a folksy happy goodness that says beach weather to me.  They’ve just released a new album for those who dig.

Pretty Lights - I Can See It In Your Face [snag]

This DJ is quietly taking over…he’s one of those guys that people don’t want other people to know about because he puts out his music for free and no one wants that to change.  I know not everyone is into the DJ scene, but this is the kind of music you throw on to be super productive (or to dance your ass off).  He’s also playing at Summercamp in Illinois this summer, which is a weekend I recommend enthusiastically.

Hawa - D.A.N.C.E. (Justice Cover) [snag]

Interesting note about this cover is that it seems as if it’s been dug up the old fashioned way; a blogger found the track at a record store on a 7” and posted it.  It’s spreading like a virus, and no one knows anything about this French artist, Hawa.