Twelve Songs From Twelve Albums To Which You Should Be Listening

Here are twelve songs from twelve albums that need to be in your music collection.

1. Grouplove “Colours” from Grouplove EP
I saw this band live last night in Salt Lake and they were amazing. I’ve loved this track since a radio friend first introduced me to the band in early February. The group has only been together about a year, and they are looking to have a big 2011 having signed to Atlantic and releasing their debut LP later this year. The currently have a self-titled EP available which features this song.



2. Foster the People “Helena Beat” from Foster The People EP
Another group that is looking to have a huge 2011, Foster the People was a buzz band last summer with their song “Pumped Up Kicks.” This band sounds like Passion Pit being remixed by MGMT, and it works really well. “Helena Beat” is the third track on their self-titled three-song EP, and is my personal favorite. They will be releasing their debut LP later this year, and the songs they performed here in Salt Lake definitely make me excited to hear their new music.



3. The Naked and Famous “Spank” from Passive Me, Aggressive You
The group released their debut LP in September last year. They had previously released two EPs, but their sound seems to have found its pace on Passive Me, Aggressive You as it is a more consistent release than either of their EPs (both of which are recommended). On this song the group is at their most aggressive with sharp synth layering over a pounding rhythm. The vocals of Alisa Zayalith are both soothing and alarming, and the dichotomy works with aplomb.



4. Gypsy & the Cat “Time To Wander” from Gilgamesh
I discovered this band while doing my “Countdown To Coachella” series of blog posts. The duo creates spacey, indie electro-pop that is both soothing and danceable. Their debut LP is full of great, catchy songs, but this one is definitely my favorite.



5. The Joy Formidable “Cradle” from The Big Roar
This band is starting to get some radio play with their song “Whirring,” and while that is a great song, and an accessible one, this is the real gem of the album. Lead singer and guitarist Ritzy Bryan’s voice is reminiscent of a pixie, but has surprising power. The Welsh group is currently touring the US, and I have only heard great things about their live show. I’m looking forward to seeing them here in Salt Lake on April 9th. They will also perform at this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.



6. Duck Sauce “Barbara Streisand” from Barbra Streisand
This DJ and production duo is comprised of A-Trak and Armand Van Helden. They currently have an EP, Greatest Hits, available, and are expected to release a full album this year. This track samples Boney M and is an electro-house smash that has blown up in clubs all over the world.



7. The Rural Alberta Advantage “Barnes’ Yard” from Departing
This Canadian trio is not, surprisingly, from Alberta. They are actually from Toronto, Ontario. Their album is comprised of some great folk influenced indie rock, and this is one of their more up beat tracks, musically, though the lyrics are darker than the sound might indicate.



8. Fences “Girls With Accents” from Fences
This group from Seattle is the brainchild of singer/songwriter Christopher Mansfield. After getting a hold of their self-titled 2009 EP Sara Quin of Tegan & Sara produced and recorded the band’s debut LP, also self-titled. This song was brought to my attention by an old college friend in Seattle and it has seen consistent play in iTunes ever since. The self-loathing lyrics over a wispy synth line with charging rhythms makes for a great tune.



9. Young the Giant “My Body” from Young The Giant
I think just about everyone is in love with this song. It was a hit on alternative radio, peaking at #5 on that chart, and the California band has plenty more great songs on their album. If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, there’s still room. Here, I’ll help you up.



10. Cut Copy “Need You Now” from Zonoscope
This Australian band’s third album was a sonic leap forward for them. “Need You Now” is a new wave throwback track that could easily have been recorded by Duran Duran in the early 80s. The bass-heavy synth rhythms and the textural layering make for a fantastic track from one of the better indie electronic acts around today.



11. Does It Offend You, Yeah? “The Monkeys Are Coming” from Don't Say We Didn't Warn You
This high-energy song is a tune that one can’t help but smile while listening to it. When I first downloaded the song, on the mountain mid-way through a day of snowboarding, my friends and I listened to it on repeat the rest of the day. The band’s new album is quite good, too, with a few other party jams and some songs that are cutting a new path for the English dance punkers.



12. Art Brut “Axl Rose” from Brilliant! Tragic!
Teaming up with Frank Black yet again, Art Brut continues to bring a level of snark to indie rock not seen in many corners. “This world is fucked, and you’re an idiot” is the opening salvo lobbed by front man Eddie Argos. A positively fantastic tribute to the Guns ‘n Roses lead singer, this song gives “the world the finger” with the only exception being Argos’ “favorite lead singer.”



Need more music in your life? Find out what is in my ear at grantruby.com.