Favourite New Music- The Shins “Simple Song”

Do you remember when N.E.R.D had the concept album, Seeing Sounds, that was supposed to play on Synesthesia to make people involuntarily do things or feel certain emotions just from hearing the music?  Well, The Shins Synesthesia me.  For the record, I liked that N.E.R.D album too, but this Shins song makes me feel like an ocean being warmed by the sun (stolen song lyrics) and a whole bunch of other good stuff for the entire 4:16 minutes and then I have to replay it because it’s just too good. I still get that feeling when I listen to their old stuff too, so I think I’m just a sucker for their sound.  If you want to get an idea of what I’m talking about click on the link to have a listen.  I will try to find a host-able link for our site, but in the meantime this will have to work. Enjoy!

Sasha’s Favourite Album of 2011

#1 - Jay Z & Kanye West - Watch the Throne

I’m sure this one came a shocker (…not).  Even though a bunch of the songs act as advertisements, the quality of this album is hard to match, and it was an easy pick as favourite of the year.  You would have to be living under a rock to not have heard at least one of Watch the Throne’s singles/songs, and you would have to be hit by that rock upside the head to not enjoy it… And on that note I hope everyone has a great New Years Eve, I’d be willing to bet you will be hearing this song at least once (or 3 times like their encores on this tour).  Enjoy!

Jay-Z & Kanye WestGotta Have it

Sasha’s Favourite Albums of 2011 Countdown: #2

# 2 - MetronomyThe English Riviera

Super-catchy, British electronic music.  There is not a song I’m not excited to hear on this album, and I will probably listen to it all day now that I’ve mentioned it.  Metronomy will also be coming to Toronto April 2nd to play the Hoxton.  Check them out.

Metronomy - We Broke Free
 

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Sasha’s Favourite Albums of 2011 Countdown: #3

#3 - Bon Iver - Bon Iver, Bon Iver 

Finally hit the top 3! The albums that got the most plays over the past year, and naturally became my ultimate favourites. I have been fortunate enough to have travelled a lot over 2011, and this is the album that would help me relax/fall asleep on any plane/bus/boat ride I took.  You’d think that would be a bad thing, but to me Justin Vernon’s voice and music is really beautiful (in a manly, scruffy bearded way) and it’s hard to not to zone out listening to it.  Whether he is backing Kanye West or making his own stuff, I just think Bon Iver/Justin Vernon is one of those musicians/band I don’t see myself ever getting tired of listening to.

Bon IverCalgary

Bon IverWash.

Sasha’s Favourite Albums of 2011 Countdown: #4

#4 - Caveman – CoCo Beware

I posted about Caveman back in May after their mushy love song December 28th hooked me (really sweet song - check it out). Then I got their album and it did not disappoint, now I would say that CoCo Beware is a must have for all indie music lovers.  It’s one of those debut albums that makes me feel like this could turn into a longterm fan-ship. I’ll have to wait and see but they will be playing the Horseshoe January 11th and tickets are ONLY $10.00!  So get on that, and see one of my favourite new bands of 2011.

CavemanOld Friend

Sasha’s Favourite Albums of 2011 Countdown: #5

#5 - Foster the People – Torches

This was the ultimate summer album for me, with probably one of the catchiest singles released this year (Pumped up Kicks), and the album doesn’t rest on it’s pop-y singles alone.  Torches is awesome from beginning to end, which makes me excited to see what this band has to release in the future.

Foster the PeopleMiss You 

Sasha’s Favourite Albums of 2011 Countdown: #6


#6 -
Lykke Li – Wounded Rhymes

It’s boxing day, I’m tired, I want to shop, so this one’s going to be short… Wounded Rhymes is one of my favourites this year because it manages to have beautiful songs that talk about lovey dovey stuff, getting hurt etc. without making me depressed.  It’s a fine line and Lykke Li also manages to pull off that whole sad song with a fun/upbeat tempo thing pretty well. Check out some of my favourites down below.

Lykke LiJerome

Lykke LiUnrequited Love

Sasha’s Favourite Albums of 2011 Countdown: #7

#7 - tUnE-yArDs – WHO KILL

If you watch any live footage of tUnE-yArDs (see below) you will be able to see how crazy of a musician Merrill Garbus is.  This band got a bunch of hype this year, which I never mind if the artist has talent to back it up, and I definitely think tUnE-yArDs does (jUsT iGnOrE tHe GrAdE 7 cApItAlIzAtIoN oF tHeIr NaMe…).  WHO KILL is a super unique album, that is all over the place but in the best way possible.  I don’t even know how to describe it properly all I know is I love it, and it always puts me in a good mood.

tUnE-yArDsYou Yes You (live)

if home is where the heart is baby,then my home is inside you

tUnE-yArDsGangsta