Galaxius Mons – “Cup My Aching Mind (Crazy Epitaph)” {Experimental/Synthpop} + Free downloads
Do you know what time it is? It’s synthy cheese o’clock! And seeing that the only instrument this band uses is a Moog Rogue monophonic synthesizer you best be prepared for a whole lotta cheesy synth coming your way…You can download the Montrealers’ tunes for free here (but you can also purchase their new album as a name-your-price download here).
Dollaz Da Deejay – “I Am Music” {Rap/Pop}
This is the first single off the Toronto-based rapper’s new record My Pen, Pad & My Smartphone (story of my life), which is already creating a huge buzz in the underground Ontario rap scene. The chorus features Alicia Cinnamon, and if you dig his tunes you can purchase one of his previously released tracks for $0.99 here.
Amanda Merdzan – “Afraid” {Pop/Folk}
This Australian songstress has supported a crapton of mega artists throughout the course of her career (like Eskimo Joe, Split Seconds and Oh Mercy, just to name a few), and she recently performed at the Canadian Music Week 2013 this past March. This is the first single off her most recent EP The Map Has Been Redrawn, which you can purchase for $6.99 via iTunes here.
One Mile An Hour – “Sunken Ships” {Alt-Folk}
Giving City and Colour a run for their money, this three-piece has been making music since 2011, and their recent self-titled debut album has been described as a “complex, introverted outsider-folk record.” (Ed. note: Okay then!) The self-produced album was mastered by none other than John Dent (who has worked with the likes of PJ Harvey and Nick Drake), and you can purchase it for £14.99 here.
Pete Carr – “Weight of the World” {Pop/Rock}
This Australian musician was born into a musical family, so it’s safe to say that creating awesome music is pretty much in his DNA. Drawing inspirations from The Beatles to Elliott Smith, he just released his brand new album Mistaken & Misplaced, which you can purchase as a name-your-price download here.
Queens of the Stone Age – “I Appear Missing” {Alternative Rock}
My only complaint about this new Queens of the Stone Age video is that it’s deprived me of drooling over Josh Homme’s gingery sexyness, but a creepy, one-eyed floating corpse-man will have to do for now. And in case you were wondering about the song’s thunder-like drumwork, Dave Grohl played drums on the track as well.
The Flaming Lips – “You Lust” (NSFW) {Experimental Pop}
The Flaming Lips keep the awesome music videos coming, and wouldn’t you know it, it’s yet another NSFW video. And by NSFW I mean a close-up of some dude rubbing his balls and everything. Oh Wayne, shock me, shock me, shock me with your deviant behaviour!
Janelle Monáe – “Q.U.E.E.N.” ft. Erykah Badu {Pop/Funk}
With all that Flaming Lips drama, I was surprised to see that Erykah Badu untwisted her bitch panties to star in someone else’s video without telling them to kiss her glittery ass again. Her entrance is pretty cool and all, but don’t hold your breath waiting for her glittery behind to make an appearance.
Grimes – “Venus in Fleurs” {Experimental}
If you’ve ever wanted to know what stalking a giant Red-Headed Sandhill Crane felt like, all you have to do is watch this video (which was shot at a Reifel bird sanctuary in British Columbia). Don’t ask me why that huge, adorable bird terrifies me, it just does.
Kurt Vile – “Never Run Away” {Rock}
Kurt Vile is so awesome all he has to do is sit on a bus, spray a fire extinguisher, and give me the sexy side eye and I’ll still consider the video mindblowing. On the real though, watching his long, luscious locks blow in the wind is pretty mesmerizing.
Austra – “Home” {Electro/Pop}
While we patiently await for Austra’s new album (one more month people!) the band released what is hopefully the first of many videos/singles to come for the rest of 2013. The video is classic minimalism at its finest, minus the blue scrunchies and impressive braiding skills, of course.
Editors – “A Ton Of Love” {Rock}
It looks like this new Editors album is actually happening despite the band’s constant bickering and the departure of the band’s co-founder and former lead guitarist Chris Urbanowicz. This video marks the first official introduction to the new band members Justin Lockey and Elliott Williams. Exciting stuff.
Voltage Funk – “Inside Your Head” {Electropop/Funk} + Free download
Known for their dynamic live performances and a sound that combines “funky bass, sparkling guitar and fuzzy synthesizers,” it was love at first listen as soon as we heard this Danish duo, (but really they had us at “fuzzy synthesizers”). This track also features the famed Danish producer Thor Guldager on vocals.
This is Water – “Apollo Rolled So Low” {Indie Rock}
The new three-track EP from This is Water (AKA the pseudonym for the Ontario-based musician Andy Friesen) is so awesome it was impossible to pick just one song off of it, so if you have some time make sure you listen to the rest of his new tracks here. You can also purchase his EP as a name-your-price download at his Bandcamp page.
The Understudies – “No Higher!” {Rap/Hip Hop}
The Understudies are an alternative hip hop group based out of Berkeley, California, and this track is featured on the group’s 5th anniversary album One Night Only (released via Study Music Group). You can purchase One Night Only as a name-your-price download or each individual track for as little as $1 here.
Krystale – “Machine” {Pop/Jazz}
This Montreal/Dominican songstress is only 22-years-old, and she already has two successfully-released EPs under her belt (2011′s Reboot and 2012′s The Good Fight) as well as a self-titled debut album on the way. If you dig the track you can purchase it for $1 here.
Emergency Door Release – “Mad For It” {Alternative Rock}
Channeling their fellow Brit rock champions (Arctic Monkeys, The Smiths, etc.) this Newcastle-based group formed in late 2011, and they are currently prepping for the release of their new album (Chester Zoo) which is out March 15th. If you dig their sound make sure you vote to see them at Evolution Emerging Here; (and don’t forget to give them some props for writing a song about a girl who has a gay boyfriend).
We could sit here all day and talk about how excited we are for Jim James’ solo debut and how much he looks like Jesus, but all of this seems minuscule after feasting our eyes on this music video (which is the first for his new album Regions of Light and Sound of God). Who knew Jimmy boy had a secret buffalo fetish?
Kate Nash – “3AM” {Pop}
Any chick can relate to Kate Nash’s latest music video, only because we all know what it’s like to toss and turn in the middle of the night because you’re thinking about some dude with an unfortunate eyebrow situation. And fantasizing about eating Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
Kvelertak – “Bruane Brenn” {Hardcore/Rock}
This is by far one of the best music videos we’ve seen so far in 2013, (only because there’s just something so right about seeing cute little Norwegian children pretending to be screamcore-ing maniacs). The track is off Kvelertak’s forthcoming sophomore album, Meir, which is being released on March 25th via Roadrunner.
SUUNS – “2020″ {Psych Rock}
Count on a Canadian band to release a music video that puts a strain on the good ol’ eyeballs (we live in igloos; our eyeballs are immune to bright light strain). The track is off their new album Images Du Futur (out March 5th via Secretly Canadian) and the video was directed by visual artist Sabrina Ratté.
Passion Pit – “Carried Away” {Electropop}
This video stars actress Sophia Bush (opposite the Passion Pit-ter vocalist) as they play a dysfunctional couple who struggle with every inch of their being not to stab each other to death with a pair of scissors; (hey, we’ve all been there). The video was shot by cinematographer Ben Richardson (Beasts of the Southern Wild), and was directed by Benjamin and Alex Brewer.
Tyler, The Creator – “Domo 23″ {Rap/Hip/Hop}
Tyler, the Creator has released yet another amazingly entertaining video, only this time he’s starring as a wrestler named Fookie Bookie (yes, Fookie Bookie) who battles it out against his fellow Odd Future bandcamp Domo Genesis. Sometimes wrestling and rapping just don’t mix.
Primal Scream – “2013″ {Alternative Rock}
It’s been five long years since we’ve heard any new material from Primal Scream, so needless to say seeing the video for the first single off their new album was the highlight of our week; (plus using a moth as a metaphor is kinda hot).
Oslo’s Cold Mailman were clearly on a mission to release one of the most tripped out, beautifully shot music videos of the year; (okay so maybe we’re easily swooned by reverse-shot effects in music videos). The video was directed by André Chocron and the track is off their new album Heavy Hearts which is due out this April.
The Sumner Brothers – “The Toughest Man in Prison Camp” {Alt-Country/Rock}
I’m pretty sure it’s been scientifically proven that just listening to this song will make you more badass. As a matter of fact, one Texan at Lonestar Music even described this group’s tunes as “real, bleeding, pissing, moaning, crying, pleading, questioning, bone breaking, eye-gouging, ear-biting, down in the dirt fighting for your life kind of music.” Yeah that pretty much sums it up. To buy the track for $0.99 click here.
Shred Kelly – “New Black” {Alt-Country/Garage Folk}
Did Against Me! secretly turn country and change their name to Shred Kelly? Because this track sounds so much like them we even had to double-check and make sure that they weren’t trying to pull a quick one on us. (And imagine our surprise when we read that they are from our home province; talk about a double dose of awesome…) To purchase their latest album In The Hills for $9 or each track for $1 click here.
Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires – “Ain’t No Stranger” {Blues/Rock}
So turns out this Black Keys-ish, Birmingham-based group reeeeeally likes their home state of Alabama. Not only do they describe their influences as being Alabama (both the state and the supergroup, of course) they even went on tour with the almighty Alabama Shakes; (now that’s commitment). This track is off the group’s new album There is a Bomb in Gilead which was released this past May, and you can purchase it for $9.99 or each individual track for $0.99 via iTunes here.
Jeff Barkman – “Never Knew Beauty” {Alt-Folk/Rock} + Free downloads
The hardcore Nirvana fan in us couldn’t help but fall in love with Barkman’s Kurt Cobain-y vocals, but with melodic hooks and an intense, heartfelt sound, Barkman is bound to catch the attention of a lot of important peeps with the release of his latest EP. Barkman is originally from Winnipeg but is now based in Toronto, and if you dig his music (as you should) then be sure to check out the ton of other free tracks on his Soundcloud account.
Adam Hill – “The Train That Carried My Girl to Town” {Roots/Bluegrass}
With the help of pencils, paper and computers, Vancouver’s Adam Hill has crafted a ton of impressive traditional, foot-stompin’ tunes that any hardcore Americana fan will appreciate. Hill just released a brand new album Two Hands, Tulips this past summer, and you can purchase each individual track for $1 or the entire album for $8 here.
This talented four-piece has been causing a stir in the indie folk community since releasing their debut album (Carny Life) on September 18th. But a listen to their tunes just wouldn’t be complete unless you check out the group’s performance video series on YouTube (appropriately titled Pebasodes), so if you have some extra time get on that shit; (and be sure to subscribe to their mailing list to download their Acoustic Sessions for free too). To purchase Carny Life for $6 click here.
Dorado – “Black Buddha of the Onionverse” {Alt-Country/Psych Rock}
We don’t know who L. Ron Dorado is or where he came from (besides Birmingham) but this track is so epic it’s bound to hit you like a ton of bricks. It’s dark, it’s mysterious, and it successfully combines the alt-country, experimental blues and tribal rock genres into one cohesive (and somewhat strange) sound. To purchase his latest album Anger, Hunger, Love and the Fear of Death for $9.99 or each individual track for $0.99 click here.
Gabrielle Papillon – “Go Into the Night” {Pop/Folk}
This Canadian folk songstress just wrapped up a massive Canadian tour to support her new LP Little Bug, which has witnessed heavy rotation on numerous different Canadian campus radio stations. She’s performed more than 300 (!) concerts since 2010, and recently performed at the Pop Montreal and Halifax Pop Explosion music festivals. To purchase Little Bug for $10 or each track for $1 click here.
Kings of Lowertown – “Long Long While” {Rock/Dirt Blues}
Described as the “first essential 21st century alternative dirt blues recordings in Canada,” King of Lowertown’s latest release (60 More Miles) certainly deserves all the buzz it can get. The album was produced and engineered by none other than Jordon Zadorozny, who has previously produced albums for Chris Cornell, Courtney Love and [our lover] Sam Roberts. To purchase the three-track EP for $7 click here.
We’ve already written about this Toronto-based, self-managed group, but this track is so awesome we just had to mention it again. The song is off their new EP Say it Again, which you can purchase as a name-your-price download here.
Jonas Schwartz ft. Rebel Rebel – “Lover” {Synthpop}
Some people cringe when they hear cheesy synthpop tunes, but luckily for you we’re not one of those people. The track is off the Swede’s recent 7″ Lover, but if you dig the tune then check out his 2012 album release Six, which is available for $9.10 at Klicktrack.com.
If you’re as much of a sucker for the lo-fi as we are then be sure to check this track out. The band is based out of Baltimore (although the song was mastered by Alex Somers in Iceland), and is available to purchase for as little as $1 here.
Éléphant – “Rien” {Alternative Pop}
Here’s something a little different from a duo based out of France, (and no, we can’t understand a word of the lyrics and yes, we do realize we are from a bilingual country and probably should have paid more attention in French class). The song is off the duo’s EP of the same name, and you can purchase the single for as little as $0.99 here.
If you like sharks and/or partying (who doesn’t?) then be sure to check this synthy tune out. The bilingual six-piece is based out of Vancouver, and being the true-blue B.C. hippies that they are they even inserted tomato seeds into every single sleeve of their 2008 album Heirloom. If you like the song then be sure to snag its free download here.
Explorers – “Ticket Home” {Electropop}
This is the first we’ve heard of the Explorers, but if their forthcoming EP sounds anything like this track, then 2013 is bound to be a very successful year for the self-managed duo. With a sound mirroring Cut Copy, MGMT and Hot Chip, this song is off the group’s debut, self-released EP Souvenirs which you can purchase for £5.53 via iTunes here.
New Animal – “They Won’t Let Me Go” {Psych Pop}
This DIY Atlanta-based duo has caught the attention of a lot of indie kids and music bloggers over the past few years, and they have achieved a cult-like following thanks to their trancey, raw tunes. This track is actually a B-side to their single “Falling Up,” and you can purchase the tape single (yes, a tape single) for $4 here.
Diamond Bones – “Garden” {Electropop}
Perhaps we’re a little biased because we’ve always been a sucker for the Montreal music scene, but with a track as awesome as this one this trio deserves all the credit they can get. The song is off their Chandeliers EP which is available for $5 here.
Goodman – “Rachel K” {Pop/Rock}
Michael Goodman is a multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter based out of Providence, and even though his Soundcloud account is packed full of all sorts of surprisingly good songs, it was his Julian Casablancas-ish vocals that eventually won us over. This track is off one of his two 2012 releases (Goodman) which you can purchase for $3 here.
Given that we come from the home of the Canadian superstar Big John Bates, we couldn’t help but fall in love with this Israeli rockabilly group. Based out of Tel Aviv, they are described as being one of the most exciting rock ‘n roll bands to come out of Israel in a long, long time (and if you don’t believe us click here). You can buy this song for $1 or their entire album for $5 at their Bandcamp page.
Not only does this song have a catchy, addictive melody, it also comes with a music video that demonstrates some mighty fine Aussie humour; (there ain’t no party like an awkward Australian birthday party!) The group is offering the track as a free download here as well as many other tracks as free downloads at their Soundcloud page.
Brews Willis – “Ride the Island Baby” {Surf Rock}
With party-in-the-sun vibes and a band name that could possibly surpass Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head, this Toronto-based band is definitely one to keep your ears out for in the future. This is actually the first music video the group has ever released, and the track is off their new EP Nerped By a Zircon. To purchase the EP or $9.90 via iTunes click here.
Showcasing some of the finest garagey rock we’ve ever heard come out of the UK, Bloody Knees is a band based out of Cambridge, England that has been getting rave reviews in the press for their debut self-titled album as well as their electrifying live performances. To download a collection of their recorded songs click here.
Pang Attack – “Northern Seas (for Vanesa)” {Psych Rock/Folk}
We fell in love with this track as soon as we heard it, but finding out that the main man behind this trancey group (multi-instrumentalist Alex Hackett) used to drum for Femme Generation made the listening experience even more special. He just released his sophomore EP titled Phantom Forest, and you can purchase each track off the EP for as little as $1 or the entire album as a name-your-price download at his Bandcamp page.
The Dead Ships – “When I Go Away” {Rock/Blues}
Channeling Jack White, The Black Keys, and countless other awesome rock bands, this was hands-down one of the best tunes we’ve heard this past year. The group released their debut album Electric Ahab last February; (which you can buy for as little as $6 here), and they also just posted a brand new music video for their track “You Were Rock;” to check it out click here.
Woodstock Mafia – “Electric Light” {Grunge/Rock}
This group is based out of Cape Town, South Africa, and they just released this music video back in May which apparently cost around $1,000 to make (so give it a watch yo!). They are also currently prepping for the release a brand new album which is due out this year; to listen to one of the singles click here.
Punks on Mars – “Showers of Pain” {Psych/Classic Rock}
This track has an eclectic mix of baroque pop and 70s glam rock, and was unlike anything thing else we’ve received here at RMD. This Brooklyn-based group just released their debut LP Bad Expectations, and you can purchase the album as an MP3 download for $9.90 or the physical CD for $12 here.
Being There – “The Radio” {Americana/Rock}
With Bruce Springsteen/War on Drugs vibes, this track is so Americana it almost seems hard to believe that the group is based out of London. The group’s brand new debut album Breaking Away is now available for purchase via iTunes for £6.99, but if you have some extra time be sure to check out another solid single off the album here.
The Fontaine Classic – “My Latest Faith” {Alternative Rock}
This Portland-based guitar/drum duo just wrapped up a successful West coast tour, and they are currently planning another tour around the US in March. “My Latest Faith” is off their recent EP of the same title which you can buy for $5 at their Bandcamp page.
Allison Weiss – “Making it Up” {Pop/Rock}
We don’t typically get a lot of rockin’ female-fronted submissions, so when we do we jump on that shit; (plus we’re a fan of anything/everything that reminds us of the video for “Subterranean Homesick Blues“). The single is off Weiss’ forthcoming release which is due out January 29th, and if you pre-order the limited edition 7″ for $6 here you will get a free digital download.
James and Blackburn – “Dark Sparks” {Rock} + Free download
Off the group’s debut album Island Universe, this track eventuallywon us over thanks to its offbeat strumming and grower-of-a-chorus. The music video was created by Pascal Hout (@newgrammar) and was shot during the group’s tour around Ontario and Quebec. To purchase Island Universe for $8 click here, and you can buy the tune as a name-your-price download here or put in $0 as the amount to get it as a free download.
Amos the Transparent – “Says the Spark” {Pop/Rock}
Coined as the “Canadian Wilco,” this group is based out of our country’s capital of Ottawa and they recently performed at Pop Montreal and the Halifax Pop Explosion festivals. They just released a new album Goodnight My Dear…I’m Falling Apart which you can purchase as a digital download for $7.99 here.
It’s hard to believe it’s been six long years since we’ve heard new material from QOTSA, but in between forming new bands, talking about food with Anthony Bourdain, and procreating with Brody Dalle (Tim Armstrong’s ex-wife), it’s safe to say that Josh Homme has been a pretty busy guy. The forthcoming album (due out in the first half of 2013) is rumoured to feature Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters, Trent Reznor, Songs for the Deaf drummer Dave Grohl, and possibly former bassist Nick Oliveri (guess Homme forgave him for beating up his girlfriend?) Given the disappointment that is Era Vulgaris, we don’t really have high expectations, but we’re still curious nonetheless.
9. Daft Punk – TBA
Last summer some daft punk (heh) thought it would be really funny to spread a rumour that this was the first single off Daft Punk’s forthcoming album (turns out it was all just a sick joke), but if anything it just created an even bigger buzz for the Frenchies. The album is supposedly due out on March 13th, and apparently Panda Bear, Chilly Gonzales, Paul Williams and Nile Rodgers will also be featured on the release. It is also being said that the duo has been working on it for three years now, so it’s bound to be good.
8. Unknown Mortal Orchestra – II
UMO have been a breath of fresh air for the psych rock genre ever since they released their highly-acclaimed self-titled album back in 2011. And although they’ve been flying under the radar these past couple of years we have high hopes for the group in 2013. They’ve already debuted the album’s lead single “Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark),” and the album is set to be released on February 5th via Jagjaguwar. And in classic UMO style, the album cover is slightly NSFW (check it out here).
7. The Knife - Shaking the Habitual
We were shocked to hear that the Swedish brother-and-sister duo would be releasing another album this year considering that Karin Dreijer Andersson released a solo album (Fever Ray) back in 2009. But the duo’s first album in nearly seven years is bound to get a lot of attention this year, regardless of whether it’s good or not. It’s expected for an April 8th/9th release and is said to feature Shannon Funchess of Light Asylum, and they also released a teaser for the album which you can check out here.
6. Arcade Fire – TBA
Not only is our beloved Arcade Fire releasing their fourth album this year, they’re also collaborating with none other than James Murphy from LCD Soundsystem; (and if that is fucking awesome then I don’t know what is). The Montrealers have been keeping busy performing “low-key” concerts in Haiti (where band member Régine Chassagne is originally from), and they were also performing as Les Indetiks in around Montreal last year, so we were half expecting their new album to be released under their alias. The album isn’t due out until “late” 2013, so we still have a long time to wait yet.
5. Vampire Weekend – TBA
Despite the solo efforts the boys are back and prepping for a (hopeful) spring release of their third album, and luckily for us frontman Ezra Koenig has been spilling a ton of beans about its release (he describes it as being “darker” and “grittier” than Contra, and also influenced by jazz, Bob Dylan and The Clash). We may not know the album title yet, but apparently some of the song titles include “Hudson,” “Don’t Lie” and “Unbeliever;” (which the group played on Jimmy Kimmel’s show last year).
4. Black Lips – TBA
It may not even come until early 2014, but we can only hope and pray that the Texas psych rockers can somehow pull it together by the end of 2013. Word on the street is that they may possibly be working with famed Brit producer Mark Ronson (who previously worked with the likes of Amy Winehouse, Lil’Wayne, Kaiser Chiefs and countless others), which isn’t too far-fetched considering he produced their 2011 release Arabia Mountain. The group also release a live album this year via Jack White’s Third Man Records label (not that we needed Jack White’s stamp approval to like them in the first place), so at least we have a little somethin’-somethin’ to keep us entertained until its release.
3. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – TBA
All I can say about the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs album is that “it’s about goddamn time Karen O.” The group recently announced on their Instagram (yes, their Instagram), that the album will be due out this spring, which happens to be the 10-year anniversary of Fever To Tell, and they’ve also lined up some concerts in Australia for January as well; (you lucky bastards). There are some rumours that James Murphy will also be producing this album, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet.
2. FIDLAR – FIDLAR
If you’ve been reading this blog regularly you’ve probably experienced us shoving FIDLAR down your throat at some point or another. But we wouldn’t be doing our job if we weren’t peer pressuring you to listen to their tunes, so if you haven’t already done so check out this, this and this. The group has been creating such a huge buzz that it almost seems hard to believe that this album will be their first official full-length, and they’ve already debuted the first single “Cheap Beer;” (watch its video below).
1. Death From Above 1979 – TBA
OK so technically DFA 1979 isn’t really releasing another album (they will be debuting new material during their upcoming Canadian tour in October), but we have a sneaking suspicion that it won’t take long for them to include the new tunes on a release. They only have one album to their name (2004′s You’re a Woman I’m a Machine), because soon after its release the duo started bickering and announced that they were breaking up, and even though Jesse F. Keeler and his moustache formed MSTRKRFT and Sebastien Grainger did his own thing with Sebastien Grainger and the Mountains, the two have apparently kissed and made up. It’s a good thing that the world didn’t end on December 28th, because if I didn’t live to hear their new material I would have been PISSED.
Maylee Todd – “I Don’t Intend to Spend Christmas Without You” {Indie Pop} + Free download
If you got a mean case of the bah humbugs this Christmas, this upbeat, poppy track is bound to help get you in the holiday spirit. The unreleased track just debuted on the eight-part Booker’s Holiday Spectacular series which also features a ton of other artists like Wilderness of Manitoba, Jill Barber and The Elwins.
Christopher Lee – “The Little Drummer Boy/Silent Night” {Metal}
OK, so maybe we’re not huge fans and this may not be at the top of our top Christmasylist, but it was so damn hilarious we just had to share. Plus you have to give props to the 90-year old actor for singing a heavy metal tune, let alone a Christmas Carol sung by Saruman the White.
This Cincinatti rock trio have been turning heads in the underground rock scene for the past few years, and sound a little bit like The Band, a little bit like The Jesus and Mary Chain, and a whole lotta awesome. The band also recently covered Chuck Berry’s classic version of “Run Run Rudolph” for the Pavement PR 2012 Holiday EP (which you can listen to here).
Friend of All the World – “Good King Wenceslas” {Folk} + Free download
Montreal’s true-blue folk superstars Friend of All the World just released a three-track Christmas album titled Christmas Time – Volume 2 which was apparently recorded “on the fly” last November. The album is currently available as a free download at their Bandcamp page; to download it click here.
Vandaveer just released a three-track Christmasy EP titled VNDVR XMSEP2 which features two other tracks of classic Christmas covers (“Silver Bells” and “Merry Christmas Baby”). To download the EP for free click here.
Kate Nash – “Faith” {Pop/Rock}
Following the release of her Death Proof EP and her Halloweeny track “Frie-end”, England’s Kate Nash keeps up with her musical holiday tradition by releasing yet another holiday tune for the Christmas season.
This holiday track just popped up in our Inbox this morning and was released along with another holiday track (“I Don’t Need Presents“), both of which are available as free downloads via Soundcloud. Lily Frost is an indie pop artist based of Toronto, and she just released a brand new album (Do What You Love) this past October.
The xx – “Last Christmas” {Alternative Pop} + Free download
The xx surprised everyone when they performed the classic 1984 Wham! track for Fearne Cotton’s Radio 1′s Live Lounge earlier this week. If you’re feeling particularly Christmasy this year then you can download the track for free here.
Current Swell – “Christmas Alone” {Folk}
This popular roots-rock band hails from British Columbia’s capital of Victoria, and have been turning heads since they formed back in 2005. This track was recently featured on the Nettwerk Music Group’s Isn’t This World Enough? holiday compilation, which you can stream for free here or purchase for $9.99 here.
We were delighted to see that two of our favourite vocalists have teamed up to release a holiday duet for the Holidays Rule compilation. To purchase the 17-track album for as little as $9.99 click here.
Emil Friis – “Snowing in the Heart” {Alt-Country/Americana}
This Danish group apparently wrote this song “in what seems no more than seven minutes” on the first day of Advent, and even released an instrumental version of the track as well. You can purchase both the tracks for as little as $1.98, or each individaul track for $0.99 via iTunes.
Ex Cops – “Wonderful Christmastime” {Indie Rock}
This is by far the best cover of the Paul McCartney holiday track we’ve heard yet, and dare we say it definitely surpasses The Shins’ cover that we wrote about in the first part of our top Christmasy tracks series. The group is based out of Brooklyn and are currently prepping for the release of their forthcoming album True Hallucinations in January.
Cee Lo Green and The Muppets – “All I Need is Love” {Pop/Soul}
Because nothing says Christmas like images of Kermit and Miss Piggy flashing across your screen, here’s a brand new music video of R&B superstar Cee Lo Green partying it up with The Muppets, Christmas style. Plus Darryl from The Office makes a cameo as well. Coolness all around.
{Photo credit: Friend of All The World/Milo and Greta}
RIYL: The Kinks, Big John Bates, T. Rex, Sam Roberts
This bearded beast of a man with a high pitched voice came out of nowhere for us, but his self-titled album is hands-down one of our favourites of the year. From the poppy “Keep on Movin’” to the folky “Break the Rules” or the rockabilly-ish “Stranger,” no genre goes uncovered on this epic release.
It was love at first sight soon as we saw Orlando Higginbottom sporting a giant feathery costume in the “Tapes & Money” music video, but after listening to his album it’s evident that this dude is a force to be reckoned with. He is a son of an Oxford professor and only 26 years old, but he’s been a prominent member of the English electronic scene for some time now thanks to his impressive producing/DJing skills.
Chairlift - Something{Electropop}
RIYL: Yeasayer, Secret Machines
All you bloggers out there who have been leaving this album out of your year-end lists should be ashamed of yourselves. The album is packed full of all sorts of gems (like “Sidewalk Safari,” “Wrong Opinion” and “Frigid Spring,” just to name a few) but the duo has easily become one of the most talked about groups of the year thanks to the release of the interactive music video for “Met Before,” and a Japanese version of their track “I Belong in Your Arms.”
This sisterly duo is living proof that the Swedes can pull off a better Americana than most American musicians. The duo first caught our attention with the almighty “Sailor Song” but their latest album (which was produced by Mike Mogis of Bright Eyes) proves that there should be a lot more to come from the young Swedish sisters.
Passion Pit - Gossamer{Electropop/Experimental}
RIYL: Cut Copy, Hot Chip, Queen
It’s clear that the group’s primary songwriter (Michael Angelakos) has channeled his bipolar condition into one epic album, because Gossamer is pretty much one big theatrical performance. The album is pretty much a 2012 version of Tommy because all of the tracks could easily be made into a Broadway musical.
The Babies - Our House on the Hill{Rock}
RIYL: Pixies, Tapes ‘n Tapes
Deliciously raw around the edges (because that’s how we like it here at RMD), The Babies quickly became one of our favs this past year thanks to this release. With hints of surf/garage rock and hit tracks like “Moonlight Mile,” “On My Team” and “Get Lost” (plus the Meg White-ish “See the Country”), this album is easily one of the best (and underrated) rock albums of 2012.
Liars - WIXIW{Experimental Rock/Electronic}
RIYL: The Prodigy, Nine Inch Nails
Even though we’re not a huge fan of the entire album, no 2012 list would be complete without a mention of WIXIW (which is somehow pronounced as “Wish You”). With constant electronic drones and heavy vocals, the album is complex, fascinating, unique and strange. Plus we’re a sucker for the mullet.
Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d city {Hip Hop/Rap}
RIYL: Schoolboy Q, Danny Brown
We haven’t come across many hip hop fans who aren’t a fan of Kendrick Lamar’s latest release. And even though he’s been releasing music independently for the majority of his career, good kid, m.A.A.d city was the first to be picked up by not one, but three different labels (Top Dawg, Aftermath and Interscope).
Animal Collective – Centipede Hz {Psych Rock}
RIYL: The Flaming Lips, Ween, Panda Bear
We’re not going to lie, a lot of the tracks off this album are nearly un-listenable, but the Ween lover in us can’t help but drink the delicious Animal Collective kool-aid. Not only do they know how to mix up a crapton of genres, they also know how to test musical boundaries and explore new sounds. Plus the songs that are good are really fucking good, like the experimental “Wide Eyed” or the mind-blowing single “Today’s Supernatural.”
The Dandy Warhols – This Machine {Alternative Rock}
RIYL: Brian Jonestown Massacre
Realistically This Machine is no different than any of the group’s previous releases, which means that if you’re a hardcore Dandy Warhol fan like we are you’re probably going to like the album from start to finish. But of course with any release that is nearly identical to the previous one you’re going to see some bad reviews from critics. Doesn’t mean we have to listen to them though.
Deftones - Koi No Yokan {Grunge/Rock}
RIYL: Alice in Chains, Tool, Black Sabbath
Is anyone as shocked as we are that the Deftones are still making awesome music? They’ve been around since 1988, and despite the fact that a lot of rocker fans are claiming that grunge is an “aged” music genre, Deftones are living proof that grunge can still be cool even if Kurt Cobain is dead and plaid shirts went out of style ten years ago.
Frankie Rose - Interstellar{New Wave}
RIYL: Vivian Girls, Dum Dum Girls, Best Coast
Frankie rises from the Vivian/Dum Dum Girls ashes and proves herself as a solo artist with this brand new release. The leading track off the album (“Know Me”) should be familiar to a lot of you music nerds out there, but other awesome tracks off the album include the 60s style “Candy” as well as our personal favourite “Night Swim.” The only thing missing is her epic cover of The Strokes’ “Soma” (as heard on the Stroked covers album).
Cloud Nothings - Attack on Memory {Punk/Garage Rock}
RIYL: Ramones, The Strokes
Cloud Nothings have proven themselves as one of the hottest punk bands in the music scene today. Songs like “Cut You” and “Fall In” really show off the band’s songwriting talents, but other favourites include the Bleach-ish “No Sentiment,” the instrumental “Separation,” and let’s not forget the hit single “Stay Useless” (which also comes with an epic music video). To stream Attack on Memory via Soundcloud click here.
David Byrne & St. Vincent – Love This Giant {Experimental Funk}
RIYL: Talking Heads
Pitchfork joked that David Byrne would collaborate with anyone for a bag of Doritos, and even though he’s already worked with the likes of Brian Eno, Arcade Fire and Paul Simon, his collaboration album with St. Vincent proves that this is some of his best collaborative work yet. You have to give credit to two completely different sounding artist who can sit down and write an entire album together, but if it wasn’t for the fact that they are both big stars this album may have slipped under the radar.
Grizzly Bear – Shields {Alternative Rock}
RIYL: Deerhoof, Caribou
Easily one of the most talked about albums of 2012, Shields has been ranted and raved about left and right in the music blogosphere. After receiving lukewarm reviews for their previous releases (Horn of Plenty, Yellow House and Veckatimest), it’s nice to see that the band is finally getting the credit they rightfully deserve.
Frank Ocean - channel ORANGE {R&B/Soul}
RIYL: Drake, Kid Cudi, Pharrell Williams
2012 has been a big year for Frank Ocean. Not only has his debut album received rave reviews in the press, he also recently admitted on his Tumblr blog that he had fallen in love with another man when he was 19 years old, making him one of the first big African-American hip hop artists to come out as being bisexual.
Sharon Van Etten – Tramp {Soul/Baroque Pop}
RIYL: Cat Power, Fiona Apple
Bordering on the baroque pop, folk, and soul genres, Sharon Van Etten’s latest release has caused a massive stir in the music community. Although many of the songs are a little too mellow for our tastes, Van Etten’s voice takes center stage and proves that she should be considered one of the best female vocalists of our generation.
Tame Impala – Lonerism {Alternative/Psych Rock}
RIYL: The Beatles, Pink Floyd
Everyone got their panties in a bunch when NME listed Lonerism as #1 for their year-end top album list. But we’re going to let you in on a little secret: The reason why is because, and only because of the legendary track “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards,” which could easily be one of the best tracks we’ve ever heard in our lifetime.
Beat Connection – The Palace Garden{Tropical Pop/Rock}
RIYL: Vampire Weekend, LCD Soundsystem
Perhaps we’re a little biased because their band name references an LCD Soundsystem track, or maybe it’s because we got into this album while lounging on the beach, but Beat Connection is truly one of the most underrated bands of 2012. The album showcases tropical pop at its finest, which makes it even harder to believe that the band is based out of wet and dreary Pacific Northwest.
Grimes - Visions{Electronic/Experimental}
RIYL: Björk, Austra, The Knife
Everyone knows that leaving Visions out of any end-of-year list would be a true crime. Originally from Vancouver (but now based in Montreal), Claire Boucher came out of nowhere for a lot of people in 2012, and there’s no denying the impact she’s had on the electronica music scene this past year.
FOLLOW RMD…OR ELSE