Marmalakes : Wonder Winds

 I've been waiting to write a post like this for a while now. How fitting that this year not only marks the 10th Anniversary of Austin's infamous Austin City Limits festival but also their 20th Anniversary since they coined the name "Live Music Capital of the World". See, I like how Austin likes most of their things: fresh and local. And this is exactly what I see in Marmalakes. A three-man folk band from you guessed it - Austin, Texas. They are exactly what I see in a folk-pop genre and I have been streaming their EP, "Wonder Winds" all weekend.
Their second EP called, "Even Clothed" is due in Fall 2011 and I can't wait to snatch it up.

TV Girl : Benny And The Jetts

I don't know what it is about me and retro-istic music but I am in love with it. I think it's the fact that it sounds much lighter as opposed to the very aggressive tone that I see in some music now. So who can't I stop listening to this week? TV Girl. I had seen this band's name floating around blogs but music is constantly flowing and everyday you find something new and you get distracted. Well, a couple of days ago I was caught by their video of "Baby You Were There". Since the day I found out what "stop motion" was, I have been fascinated...so take a look at this music video, be impressed, and then download their music.

Florence + The Machine // What The Water Gave Me

She's backk. With a sneak peek of her new album. I have been waiting for her to give us some sign that she is back in studio recording and here it is. I read her tweet yesterday saying that she had an announcement on her website but as of right now I cannot get to it. I was afraid that her new album and new songs would be off putting and completely different as it is sometimes when artists write their second album. But this one sounds like Flo (so far) and as she's mentioned, it's going to sound more ghostly and haunting. Pop over to Pitchfork for details of her new LP due in November. Excuse me while I go do a happy dance.

Oh Land // White Nights

Danish pop singer Oh Land's new music video for "White Nights" is quite intriguing. She wakes up in her dreams each in different settings. Each so eclectic but collectively whimsical and dazzling. There's glitter, animals, costumes, and dance numbers. I think it's a fun music video, her performance for Big Ugly Yellow Couch is one of my favorites too. She's got charm and is it just me or does she kind of look like Heidi Klum?

Bon Iver : Bon Iver

Even without my review, you probably have this album on your iTunes, in the back of your mind, or in the list of "People You Must Listen To In 2011". If you are not in any of these situations, I suggest you get into one of them...right now. Wisconsin-raised Bon Iver's latest album self-titled, Bon Iver, has blown everyone out of the water since its release in June. Justin Vernon's velvety voice intertwined with the subtle rings, saxophone tunes, and trembling keys puzzle perfectly in each of its tracks. 
I kind of filed this album under "Travel Music". Partially because as my plane was on its way to landing in New York "Holocene" rang in my headphones, "I can see for miles, miles, miles..."
Could you imagine a song more fitting than "Holocene"?
He's also been named one of the musical acts to see this year so if you're lucky, maybe you can score some tickets and be wowed. Send me a picture- so I can live vicariously through your experience.

The Apache Relay : American Nomad

The Apache Relay. They showed up in an e-mail from NoiseTrade a couple of days ago. It said "Free Album Download"and I couldn't say no. Take a look at their album cover, would you decline the offer? This Nashville-based band took me by surprise. Their songs like "Sets Me Free" and "Home Is Not Places" are among some of my favorites but the whole album is a must-listen-to album.

The Apache Relay- Home Is Not Places