Without Pandora, my playlist additions in Dubai have been cut by 99% I'd say. Not a welcome or happy admission, but it is what it is.
I've learned all the words to most of Beyonce's songs, Lil Wayne and I became buds, Justin Bieber showed me what "shorty" meant in slang terms and Armin Van Buren blazed a hole in my eardrum, but recently I am happy to announce two new favorite bands that I found while reading up online about some indie musicians who have yet to be discovered. My favorite kind.
Wye Oak (wyeoakmusic.com) is at the top of my list these days. From Baltimore, their new single Civilian literally makes my blood happy. If I could pick the sound that my voice would make when I sing, it would be the sound of Jenn Wasner. Love them. I just looked on their website to see that I'm missing them (opening for The National) in Edinburgh by 5 days. Oh immediate tummy aching knowledge there! That's ok...Arcade Fire at the Edinburgh Castle a few days later will make for a welcome bandaid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5B4KS7GP9A&feature=related
The other band that I recently found is called First Aid Kit. First Aid Kit indeed. The hole in my eardrum has healed, thanks to these super young sisters from Sweden. Their story pretty much epitomizes my dream of becoming a rock band. In 2007, they started composing songs together. They covered a Fleet Foxes song in 2008 and put it on YouTube. It spread like wildfire and they subsequently toured alongside Fleet Foxes just months later. Their sound is so good that after seeing them in concert, Jack White approached them to record a single for Third Man Records. In a few short years they've already had a tour of 100 concerts all over the US and Europe. Earlier this year, they collaborated with Bright Eyes during Lua. I would definitely keep them in your ears.
Here's my favorite of the songs I know so far...hauntingly beautiful sound:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAs5y2lvO-Q
Happy H(ear)ring!
