Passion Pit – Little Secrets

Yeah, some people hate this guy’s voice, and I get it. It was a turnoff for me, too, initially, but the music of Passion Pit is simply too addictive and joyous, while also having a subtle hint of darkness underneath. Just as all good dance music should.

The Decemberists – This Is Why We Fight

I could have picked nearly any song off of their new album, The King Is Dead, because the whole thing is bloody great.  “January Hymn” is the band at their most delicate and beautiful, while “Rox in the Box” just feels like old school Decemberists.  But “This Is Why We Fight” is the stand out track for me.  Right now.  In a week, that could totally change.

Anthony Hamilton – Charlene

A little left field for me, perhaps.  Let me explain.  While Nashville hasn’t really won me over yet, one cool experience I had was wandering around with my neighbor after Oktoberfest and hearing an R&B group playing songs outdoors at this tiny little club.  We stopped and listened, and while there the band covered this song.  I’d never heard it before, but I liked it immediately, typed the lyrics into my phone and looked it up when I got home.  Love.

Florence + the Machine – I’m Not Calling You a Liar

I was about a year late to picking up this album, and while the obvious stand out tracks are the ones everyone has heard (“Dog Days Are Over”, “You’ve Got The Love” “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)”), the album is brimming with great cuts.  Others stuck out to me first (“Drumming Song” for one), but right now, this song is just where it’s at for me.

fun. – All The Pretty Girls

There are probably a million reasons to hate this band and I’m sure some indier-than-thou kid could list them all for me.  Maybe I’m just getting too old to care.  This song is catchier than herpes in a Tijuana whorehouse.  I’m a sucker for handclaps.  Besides, how can you hate pretty girls?