Best of 2010: MY 10 FAVE ALBUMS THIS YEAR!!!

You've been waiting, I know -- and now the moment is finally here. The moment when I reveal my 10 FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2010!

So who made my list this year? Perhaps...an esteemed British producer with a love for comics and some high-profile friends? Or a 20-something girl from Cali who loves eating Chipotle and playing with her cat? Truth is...there's only one way to tell. Head over to Phrequency.com and scoop up the goods. (Yes, that's right -- you need to go to Phrequency for the final installment in my countdown. You didn't think I would post it here, did you?)

Meow

And if you're feeling reader-ly, also check out my Top 5 Raddest Shows of 2010. And all the other year-end content. Is it just me, or did 2010 actually sorta rule?

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Best New Music: Minks

A Brooklyn duo with a passion for hazy 80's melodies, Minks are more inspired by the gothic soundscapes of say, The Cure, than the synthpop or glam metal of many of today's contemporaries.

Minks, looking appropriately goth-y

Still, writing them off as nothing but a pair of Robert Smith-obsessed copycats would be missing the point, and really, Minks have carved out their own niche of dark, but not quite depressed, rock tunes -- with intense, bouncy bass lines, dusky boy/girl vocals, swirling synths, and mostly indecipherable lyrics about love, death, and getting by. Their debut full length, By the Hedge, drops January 12 on Captured Tracks -- read more, and check out their debut vid, at Phrequency.com.

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Best of 2010: Stream my PARTY TUNES mix for free!

It's almost Christmas, which means time for relaxation, gift-giving, and -- if your family is anything like mine -- heavy drinking. To help you get in the spirit, here's the 3rd and final of my 2010 mixes -- PARTY MUSIC! Featuring glitchy/ dance-y/ experimental music from some of '10's best.

Merry Christmas everyone!

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Ear Candy: The 2010 Mix! (Stream for free...)

Are you hungry for sweet, sweet music? Starving even? Well fear not -- because the next installment in the Kate-mixes-2010 musical extravaganza is here! I call it "Ear Candy" and it features some of my favorite indie/electro/dream pop released this year.

So what are you waiting for? Check it out here -- or just click mix title below. 9 days to go in 2010!

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Best of 2010: Stream my "Beach Jamz and Punk Rawk" Mix for Free!!!

There are just 10 days left in 2010, which means it's high time to celebrate anything and everything that SO ruled hardcore this year. I already posted 20 of my top 30 albums (check them out here and here) -- and stay tuned for final 10, debuting Bigwig style, next week at Phrequency.com. (It will be a venerable trove of year-end mania, satiating even the most content-hungry of music lovers.)

Blurry memories from New Years '10

But in the meantime -- because I know the suspense over my top 10 albums is JUST KILLING YOU -- here's a little mix I made for your streaming pleasure. I call it "Beach Jamz and Punk Rawk: From the Garage to the Studio" and it features some of my fave garage/punk/lo-fi/alt rock jams released in 2010. Check it, love it, and pass it around to your friends. Tomorrow, I'll post another awesome-ly themed mix -- and on Friday, one more -- to help you through this last somber stretch of stress/strain/no sunshine before the holidays.

Happy listening!

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For your listening joy: 8 Christmas songs that don't suck

In general, I'm not a big fan of Christmas music, because -- by and large -- most Christmas music sucks. And I don't mean in a kitschy, so-bad-it's-good kind of way (newsflash: it's not!) -- I mean that most Christmas songs are generally cheap, cheesy, and just not as good as other songs. But. There are exceptions of course, and not mentioning them would be a travesty to holiday playlists everywhere. Thus, I present to you: 8 Christmas songs that don't suck.


1. Best Coast + Wavves, "Got something for you."


Ok, so it's an obvious choice, given my love for both these artists, as well as beach pop in general -- but I deeply love how this doesn't feel sappy, even though it's a motherf-cking Christmas duet. Best new holiday song of '10!

STREAM "Got something for you" at the Fader.


2. The Beach Boys, "Little Saint Nick"

Sort of the original beach pop Christmas song -- at least in my mind -- I remember my dad playing this in the car driving to my grandparents house down the shore Christmas morning. Best Coast + Wavves' offering is nice -- but no one does it like the Beach Boys.


3. The Kinks, "Father Christmas"

It's certainly no surprise that The Kinks can rock, this song features some mean guitar-shredding. Not to mention Ray Davies in a Santa hat!


4. The Black Lips, "Christmas in Baghdad"


A holiday track from Atlanta's most raucous bad boys? It's hard to believe -- but then again, "Christmas in Baghdad" is hardly your average holiday song. I mean, who can worry about mistletoe or naming all of Santa's reindeer when you're tying to avoid shrapnel? I mean come on people, amirite?

STREAM "Christmas in Baghadad" at Hypem


5. The Ramones, "Merry Christmas, I don't want to fight tonight"

Not only is this pretty much a punk classic, but the video rules hardcore. Check out the passion behind those vocals, and and the dude slapping his girlfriend's boob at 1:41.

(Note: Underwater Explosions does not condone violence in any way, but rather appreciates a good bit of bad acting.)


6. Crocodiles & Dum Dum Girls, "Merry Christmas Baby (Please don't die")


Another jangly piece of garage magic, recorded just days before Christmas '09 when both bands holed up in the studio and produced this lil nugget of Christmas cheer, all awash in reverb. Just how I like it!

STREAM "Merry Christmas baby (Please don't die!)" at the Fader.


7. Wham, "Last Christmas"

Yes, it's cheesy, and so so '80s (just check out the hairdos in this video!!)-- but who doesn't love a good George Michael offering? (No seriously -- tell me! I want to meet the person without a secret weakness for unabashed party pop.)


8. The Carpenters, "Merry Christmas darling"


A classic. Karen Carpenter's voice is magical.

STREAM (the music only) at Youtube.


Do you have another favorite Christmas song that doesn't suck? Let me know about it in the comments!

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Best of 2010: Part 2 (20-11)

10 albums down, 10 more to go ... and 10 right here, for your musical pleasure.


20. Javelin, No Mas

It comes as no surprise that a band signed to David Byrne's label (the appropriately strangely named Luaka Bop) would be creative and bizarre -- and this offering, from Brooklyn DJs Javelin -- is among the year's weirdest. In a good way! Opener "Vibrationz" is hazy, summer-fueled electro-pop perfect for chilling out to, while "Oh! Centra" sounds like Mickey Mouse started a rap career singing about kangaroos. No, really.

(See also: "Seriously, the wackiest thing I've listened to in some time"; "What I'm listening to: Javelin")

19. Tunng, ...And Then We Saw Land

An understated autumn record full of hand-plucked strings and wistful folk melodies that sometimes grow big and cathartic -- Land was inspired by a tour with Malian desert band Tinariwen, whose emphasis on mood and feeling led to this warm, earth-y song collection. Think music for the morning, or late afternoon in front of the fireplace, clothing mused from jumping in the leaves all day.

(See also: "A Happy Tunng Thanksgiving"; "Best New Music: Tunng"; "What I'm listening to: Tunng")

18. Free Energy, Stuck on Nothing

The first time I saw Free Energy -- opening for The Harlem Shakes, I believe, back in summer '09 -- I was sort of unimpressed. Their tunes seemed catchy enough, to be sure -- but the band itself seemed more concerned with acting like they didn't give a fuck -- strumming their instruments lackadaisically and smirking -- as if they were more interested in creating something ironic than sincere. And I get that. Their songs definitely have a sort of old school, fist-pumpin', arena rock vibe that's different from what most indie kids are used to, and is often best viewed through a kitsch-y lens. Whatevs. But the reason this album -- produced by DFA's James Murphy (aka, the coolest kid in show biz) -- totally rules is because it DOESN'T smirk at itself. It's a straightforward, straight rocking record of bouyant guitars and rollicking beats that for me, recollects driving around Jersey in high school, blasting classic rock and stopping at Friendlies for ice cream sodas. It's big, loud, friendly, and accessible -- welcoming you with open arms and challenging you NOT to dance along. Not to mention, it's probably my favorite record to come out of the City O.B.L. all year long.

(See also: "Free Energy pump up the club")

17. Rafter, Animal Feelings

Rafter Roberts -- the man behind rambunctious pop act Rafter -- got his start writing commercials. This talent serves him very well on Animal Feelings, a brassy, exuberant collection of pop meets R&B meets playful electronic jamz. Tunes like "Fruit" are sexy, sultry provocations -- while "Loves makes you happy (when it's not making you sad)" is effective and tongue-in-cheek all at the same time. "No fucking around" and "Paper" show off a mischievous side -- which, coupled with a love of expletives (this album should probably come with a parental advisory) -- results in an unexpected fun, sweaty listen.

(See also: "Best New Music: Rafter"; "What I'm listening to: Rafter")

16. Wavves, King of the Beach

Oh what a year it's been for Wavves! In 2009, I dubbed them one of the most overrated acts of the year -- thanks mostly to front man Nathan Williams' poor attitude and behavior. But being thrust into the spotlight so quickly (he's only 24, give the man a break!) is tough for anyone, and this year, Wavves cleaned up their act to release this glorious record of sunny beach jams, which declares, from its opening lines (You're never gonna stop me/ You're never gonna stop me) -- that Wavves are back, and better than ever. This album sees Williams coming into his own and fleshing out his sound -- juxtaposing classic, '90s-esque skate punk ("Post acid"; "Idiot") with lush, Brian Wilson flourishes ("Baseball cards") and helium-fueled '70s grooves ("Convertible balloon") -- for a record that reels you in quickly, then keeps surprising you with its nuance and range.

(See also: "Phoenix get creative at Tower Theatre" (with Wavves opening!))

15. Of Montreal, False Priest

Of Montreal front man Kevin Barnes has always struck me as one of the most freaky and inventive (not to mention literary!) song writers today, and this record is probably my favorite since The Sunlandic Twins. The second overtly sexy album on this list (See also #17, Rafter) -- Barnes imagines sexuality as something dark, dangerous, and possibly disturbing (for proof, check out this video for first single "Coquet Coquette") -- but revels in it still: with funky, bass-y grooves and beats that flow into each other effortlessly. Seeing the band perform Priest live was a fabulous and bizarre affront to the senses (think gyrating dancers; Chinese dragons; fish heads; Barnes not wearing pants) and proved that Of Montreal never operate without a vision. Also noteworthy: the 2 tracks featuring R&B wunderkind Janelle Monae ("Our riotous defects"; "Enemy gene") and 1 featuring Solange Knowles ("Sex karma") -- 2 in-control chicas whose strong stylings compliment Barnes' nasal-y vocals nicely.

(See also: "Music Video Mondays: Of Montreal"; "Haiku Review: Of Montreal"; "Of Montreal's wacky, wonderful world")

14. Dum Dum Girls, I Will Be

If I were to form a band (not likely, given my lack of musical prowess), I would want it to sound like Dum Dum Girls. An all-girl Cali foursome with roots in the '60s (mostly girl groups -- with a little Grace Slick 'tude thrown in on top) -- Dum Dum Girls write bedroom versions of sunny, harmonious, charmers -- except for instead of going to the chapel to get marrrrrrrrrrried, they're headed to jail (Someone tell my baby, or else he won't know I need saving, croons front woman Dee Dee Gundred) or declaring they're burnt out. And then -- just when you think they're too punk for their own good -- they thrown in a track like "Baby don't go," a Sonny & Cher cover that sounds even better the second time around.

(See also: "Best New Music: Dum Dum Girls"; "What I'm listening to: Dum Dum Girls")

13. Dinosaur Feathers, Fantasy Memorial

A Brooklyn breakout band who compose sunny Afro-pop in the style of Vampire Weekend -- Dinosaur Feathers' greatest claim to fame is that -- unlike their Colubmia breathen -- lead singer Greg Sullo actually logged some time in Mali, where he wrote a portion of the album 2 years back. Ok, so maybe this isn't their greatest claim to fame. Their greatest claim to fame is probably their ability to write lively, sunny, pop-rock charmers that combine lush vocal harmonies with tribal beats and elements of tropicalia, '60s pop, funk, and more.

(See also: "Best New Music: Dinosaur Feathers"; "What I'm listening to: Dinosaur Feathers")

12. Yeasayer, Odd Blood

The great thing about Yeasayer is that they never sound like they're trying to write a hit indie album -- they just sound like they're being themselves. And "themselves" just so happens to be a extraordinary band (literally!) with a trove of unique influences. That being said -- Odd Blood is a strange yet accessible record of glistening dance hits, equally inspired by '70s disco and '80s synth pop as world music and new settings on their keyboard (which they tinker with considerably on tracks like "The children" and "Love me girl.") Others, like "ONE" are pure club gold -- while first single "Ampling alp" is boisterous, free-wheeling ear candy.

(See also: "Best New Music: Yeasayer"; "What I'm listening to: Yeasayer")

11. The School, Loveless Unbeliever

Whenever I listen to this album, I always have 2 thoughts: 1) when is it going to be summer again? and 2) why don't more people make music like this anymore? -- by which I mean: bright, breezy, vintage pop that sounds EVEN MORE like a forgotten Shangri-Las album than Dum Dum Girls, and sweeps you away with instantly memorable melodies, tender harmonies and achingly sincere love songs that make you want to sing along. Front woman Liz Hunt has one of those voices in pop, and this record plays like a car ride with the windows down, sun beating on your shoulders as you revel in good-natured twee.

(See also: "Best New Music: The School"; "What I'm listening to: The School")

Just 10 more to go! Stay tuned next week to check out my very fave albums of the year!

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Best New Music: Hurricane Bells

I know, I know -- it's almost Christmas (10 days and counting!) -- and you're too busy scooping up last-minute presents and checking out Pitchfork's Top 50 albums (who says Kayne is #1 this year?) -- to listen to something new and unwieldy. Which is why -- for my last BNM pick before the holidays -- I chose a simple but pretty 5 song EP, guaranteed to bring joy this winter season.


See that curly-haired crooner? His name is Steve Schiltz, and he's the reigning force behind Hurricane Bells -- a lush, quirky folk act that warms you from the inside. His latest, Down Comes the Rain, is a charming snippet of covers and new faves -- which you can read all about at Phrequency.com. It's like a warm mug of cocoa on the chilliest Wednesday in December! (oh wait...)

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Best of 2010: Part 1 (30-21)

Ah, year-end lists. One of the biggest and most fun projects for music bloggers everywhere -- if only because we all love to think that OUR list is the correct one (as if there's actually such a thing!) -- and because listening to your fave albums again and again come December is really a grand way to stave off the cold. (For a sneak peak on what might appear here, check out my Last.fm)

This year for me was all about creativity and vintage appeal -- I found myself gravitating towards albums that either 1) surprised me with their interesting sound collages (engaging dance and electro-pop; mash-ups) or 2) satiated my craving for the familiar ('60s surf pop, girl groups) ... while at the same time remaining relevant to the now. For 2010, I chose 30 fave albums -- because 20 seems liked too few, and because starting this year, my age rounds up to 30 (yikes.) Still, even with 30, there was much I couldn't include -- and c'est la vie to that. And thus without further ado...

Me, getting my rock on at the Mad Decent Block Party (July 2010)

30. Sun Airway, Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier

I've always regarded The A-Sides as one of the best Philly bands of the past decade, and thus it's no surprise that I also adore Sun Airway, the new project from Philly's own original hipsters.* Nocturne is a gorgeous record of dreamy, meandering soundscapes stuffed with memories and melancholy -- that makes me want to curl up in a wicker chair at a beach house in the off-season and thumb through old photos albums wistfully.

*Note: this statement not necessarily true. The true origin of Philly's original hipsters is unknown, although many believe they were created by accident, when a PBR truck exploded near Zipperhead, causing all the records to be destroyed, except for Pavement.

(see also: "Best New Music: Sun Airway"; "What I'm listening to: Sun Airway")

29. The Arcade Fire, The Suburbs

I have to say -- when it comes to "suburban" albums, The Suburbs doesn't do it for me as much as, say, Ben Folds' Rocking the Suburbs did when I was in 11th grade. Maybe it's because of Win Butler and his tendency towards whiny pretension, which comes to a head on tracks like "Rococo." (Is just me, or is this song really hard to listen to?) But The Suburbs didn't spend months on the charts because of one art-school word, and really, there's lots to love here in grand, exuberant moments (where AF have always shined!) "City with no children" rings out like a glorious proclamation, and "Month of May" rocks harder than I knew AF was capable of. And let's not forget about the sparkling, Régine Chassagne-led "Sprawl II (Mountains beyond mountains)", which sounds like something Debbie Harry dreamed up 20 years back, but still totally rules, and might be one of my fave singles of the year.

(See also: "Haiku Review: Arcade Fire"; "Arcade Fire coaxes grand catharsis.")

28. The Golden Filter, Voluspa

They're new to the scene, yet their sound is already instantly recognizable, thanks mostly to lead singer Penelope Trappes's whispy, air-y vocals, which -- when coupled with hazy, pulsing beats -- results in a space-y record that is not quite dance music, but definitely something you can get lost in. Named after an ancient Nordic poem that tells the story of creation, Voluspa is all about mood and feeling: offering songs that are slippery and evasive, luring you in, then slinking back and out of reach.

(See also: "Music Video Mondays: The Golden Filter")

27. Beach House, Teen Dream

I've been rooting for Beach House for some time now, ever since my friend Mike scored tickets to go see them at Johnny Brenda's in 2006, and there were like 20 people in the room. Since then, they've basically exploded in popularity, with this record winning rave reviews across the board. It's easy to see why. Teen Dream is a near perfect pop album -- with glittering melodies and warm, autumnal overtones that are maybe more Sun Airway beach house (with the wicker chair and photo albums) than Jersey Shore, but still absolutely sublime.

(See also "Beach House's breathtaking teen dream")

26. Super Wild Horses, Fifteen

Whenever I think of girl rawk, this is what I think of. A noisy, Australian garage-rock rock duo comprised of too-cool-f0r school BFF with lots of enthusiasm -- SWH write messy jamz about poseurs and Degrassi -- juxtaposing ultra-punky nuggets with shoegaze sensibilities. Think Vivian Girls, but with less ego.*

*Note: I have never met the Vivian Girls, and can not provide first hand accounts of their egos. Instead, I base my statement solely on this video.

(See also "Best New Music: Super Wild Horses"; "What I'm listening to: Super Wild Horses")

25. Kate Nash, My Best Friend is You

Kate Nash is not my best friend, but listening to this album, damn, it feels like it. A British songstress with a Cockney accent and a penchant for jangle -- this album plays like a night out with your oldest and dearest pal: filled with light-hearted glee, tender moments, and the type of stories that make you squeal with excitement or shiver with anticipation.

(See also "Best New Music: Kate Nash"; "What I'm listening to: Kate Nash")

24. MGMT, Congratulations

I think I read somewhere recently that it's not cool to like MGMT anymore. I'm not sure why this is -- but frankly, I don't care. The sophomore album from the band that brought us "Kids" is all about dreamy, '60s-influenced psych-pop -- from the sweet, straightforward "I found a whistle" to the pastoral sounds of epic, Crosby, Stills & Nash-inspired, 12-minute tour de force "Siberian breaks" (which Pitchfork calls "arduous" but I honestly find rather lovely.) For the pop lovers, there's "Brian Eno" (I mean, come on!) and also "Delirium flashes" But really, I just like listening to "Siberian breaks" over and over.

(See also "MGMT < 3 Kids.").

23. The Morning Benders, Big Echo

A hazy, beach-y album from a bunch of kids from California that surprises you with its nuance and variety. Opener "Excuses" is another contender for song of the year -- a lush, orchestral tune that washes over you like a wave -- while the rest of the album touches on all those things we know and love -- by which I mean: surf pop, radio jangle, hand claps, xylophone, and woozy sun-baked jams perfect for geeking out to.

(See also "Best New Music: The Morning Benders"; "What I'm listening to: The Morning Benders"; "The Morning Benders bring hazy to life")

22. Sleigh Bells, Treats

Sleigh Bells' Treats is probably the party record of the year -- assuming the party in question is loud, raucous, and filled with hipsters. An affront on the ear drums for anyone not expecting it (my dad, for example, would hate this record), Sleigh Bells may be just a duo, but that doesn't stop them from creating some of the loudest and most interesting music of the year. Alexis Krauss alternates between crooning sweetly, talking, and sort of groaning -- while Derek Miller throws down jagged pieces of rock and punk guitar and dance beats. And somehow, it works.

(See also "Making Time with LCD Soundsystem + Sleigh Bells")

21. Jamaica, No Problem

A pair of DJs already hailed as the new Phoenix, France's Jamaica write cool, catchy party jamz with lots of guitars and '80s rock references that might be terrible, except for they're not. The reason? Well, I don't know really -- but I suspect it's the same reason that Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix was universally revered as one of the best albums of '09. These songs are just unbelievably sleek and polished nuggets of radio-friendly pop that get stuck in your head for weeks. Honestly, I'm surprised these dudes aren't selling out stadiums yet.

(See also "Best New Music: Jamaica"; "What I'm listening to: Jamaica")

So there you have it, 30-21. Stay tuned for the next installation in the great countdown this Thursday!

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Demographic Study: The Humbug

Last year, I told you all about Jenny Jingle Bells, the enthusiastic -- if overbearing -- holiday champion. This year, I introduce you to her polar opposite: a grouchy, cynical fellow known simply as "The Humbug."


The Humbug -- much as the name suggests -- is generally anti-Christmas, although not because they're a terrible person (occasional exceptions, of course, do occur) -- but because they view the holiday as a cheap cultural appropriation of what used to be a religious occasion, by a biased media focused only on consumption. . . which reinforces outdated conceptions about faith, giving, and the American family. (Phew).

an outdated conception of the American family

What makes the Humbug so annoying is that -- to some extent -- he/she has a point. Very few will argue that Christmas ISN'T commercialized -- or that photos of smiley families clad in matching pajamas, with 2 kids and a dog AREN'T a bit too Pleasantville for comfort. The difference is that most of us are able to OVERLOOK these truths (or at least push them to the sides of our brain) and enjoy the season anyway -- with friends, family, loved ones, and the obligatory Hot Dog gum/ Snooki bobblehead from Urban Outfitters.

just what you always wanted!!

Not the Humbug. For him, accepting gifts on Christmas is like agreeing with the Nazis, or joining the Klu Klux Klan -- an atrocity he believes NO ONE should support -- and which he will tell you quite frankly as you decorate your cubicle with candy canes, or ogle over the holiday display at Macy's. More vocal Humbugs might stage a protest near the Santa at their local mall -- displaying picket signs that say things like "You can't buy happiness" or "Jesus was not born so you can have a new X-Box." Most times, they are not actually religious, but find the appropriation of a religious holiday sick. (Or so they claim.)

anti-globalization protest in Cardiff, 2005. Photo by Maciej Dakowicz

The easiest way to derail a Humbug? Find out what he REALLY wants for Christmas (an iPad touch? a massaging shower head? a date with the cute girl from the post office?), wrap it up in shiny red and green paper, and present it to him. If he REALLY believes what he claims, he won't accept it -- but who can turn down a date with the Post Office cutie?

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Like this post? Read about more demographic studies here.

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Best New Music: Head Like a Kite

If you think about it, Dave Einmo -- the multi-talented writer/ producer/ musical visionary behind Seattle electronica act Head Like a Kite -- is sort of like a poor man's Damon Albarn. Which is to say: Head Like a Kite are sort of like a poor man's Gorillaz -- mixing pop, rap, hip-hop, and electronic noise -- and recruiting an impressively wide range of other musicians -- to craft an album that ebbs and flows like a carefully-themed playlist on the hippest and coolest of college rock radio stations.

HLAK. Lookin' quirky.

Of course, HLAK don't have nearly the record sales under their belt -- at least not yet. But that could all change with their most recent, Dreams Suspend Night, a thrillingly insatiable musical journey that has quickly become one of my fave underrated albums of the year.

But don't just take my word for it. Check out this video for "She's wearing that costume" -- then jet ski on over to Phrequency.com for another sweet vid, and more.

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Music Video Mondays: Miike Snow

Miike Snow are a Swedish electro-pop trio, whose lush, sensual tunes are reminiscent of Animal Collective -- if Panda Bear took ecstasy and started dancing on tables at the club (or at least: that's how they sound to me). They first burst onto the scene early last year when they had a few tracks featured on Gossip Girl (aka, the greatest show on television*) -- and have quickly built a following, thanks to successful remixes of pretty much every cool band on the radar.

This video was one of their firsts, and has been on constant replay in my apartment as of late. Because underneath our oversized flannels and skinny jeans, we're all just animals:

*note: i am only half joking here. I do love Gossip Girl, probably too much, with the passion of 1,000 it-bags and 10,000 jimmy choos.
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Local Radar: Audio Kings of the Third World

Hailing from the great suburban epicenter of Warminster, PA (note: I have never been to Warminster, PA) -- local rockers Audio Kings of the Third World are new to the scene, but already turning heads with their spirited take on fuzzy, psychedelic, garage rock jamz. Formed 3 years back by a bunch of pals weaned on sweet, sweet rock n' roll -- these dudes have the attitude and energy to make it happen. By which I mean: rise like woah (like cookie dough?) on the baking sheet of the local scene.

Not convinced? Check out this vid for "Hello operator" -- and be on the lookout for bigger gigs coming soon. Next up? December 22 at the M Room. You know Vampire Weekend played there too, way back in the day.

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Best New Music: Weekend

It's not what you think of when you hear the words "Weekend music" -- but that doesn't stop it from being rad. A San Fran trio dedicated to dark, thundering punk, walls of feedback, and somber, hazy confessions -- Weekend do everything on a grand, emotional scale.



That includes making records. Their debut LP, Sports (for indie darlings Slumberland Records) is a brooding, visceral assault of fuzzy guitars and dark, gloomy lyrics perfect for getting lost in, or -- for those of us with existential angst -- reveling in gloriously.

Looking for an escape this holiday? Check out the twisted vid for "Monday morning/Monongah, WV" and read more at Sardonic Central, Phrequency.com.

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