Amanda Shires

We'll slow things down this week. First up is a Texan. Already a well-regarded backing fiddle player, she's moving into the spotlight. Expect big things from her.

Swimmer, Dreams Don't Keep

Who is this?

Who is this band that is blatantly copying M.I.A?

Straight to Hell

Mother Mother

A wonderful Friday dance song from some Vancouver Canadians. Never has misogyny, misanthropy, and defeatism been so much fun. I may have to check these guys out. Turn up the headphones to 11 for this one.

The Stand

Sun Airway

I liked this song so much I went and bought the album. Pretty good. Not what I expected. More mellow than this song but in a good way. This song has a Strokes feel at the beginning but the rest of the album is all original. Pennsylvania band I'd like to check out when they get here. The bloggers say they're going to explode in 2011. We'll see.

Put the Days Away

Kisses

I know, another dance song. I'll get to other genres soon enough. This LA band is playing ND on Saturday but will also be at SXSW. This song will put a smile on your face. I can see Molly Ringwald dancing to this in some 80s John Hughes movie.

Bermuda

Baths

This band is coming to SXSW but will also be at Mohawk on Sat. Feb. 5th with Braids. 21 year-old from LA. Not sure if he has a backing band. Ambient downtempo stuff you'd hear on Groove Salad. I listened to 4 songs and they're all pretty good. Pretty mellow, though. This song is a little more uptempo:

Animals

Evan Voytas

I'm breaking my schedule by posting again today but I had to share this song. Love at first listen. He's from PA but now in LA.

Tomorrow Night We'll Go Anywhere

Austra

Since I was called out for not updating I guess I'll get going on the SXSW previews. I already listed 3 so check the label SXSW2011 to listen to those. Lia Ices and Cloud Nothings are gaining notice and will be big draws.

Next up is Austra, a Canadian band. Retro IDM sound. Brings me back to DJ Stereotype days at KNON. Probably better at 4am on a Saturday than a Monday morning.

Beat and the Pulse