Unknown and Unheard

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Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks – Real Emotional Trash – Real Emotional Trash (2008) - another solid effort from one of indie rock’s immortals - this is the most complete album of 2008 second only to fleet foxes - there is not a song on the album that is a let down - clocking in at just over 10 mins this is the best song on the album. Who Says a song needs to be 2:30??? Official Site: http://www.stephenmalkmus.com/ Myspace: www.myspace.com/stephenmalkmus Stream Songs on HypeMachine Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon

Frightened Rabbit – Keep Yourself Warm – Midnight Organ Fight (2008) - 2nd album - This band had a lot of hype from the start, and that combined with a ‘far from album best’ first single pushed me away at first, but the deeper I dug into this album the more I was blown away - This is the best track on the album and its unedited form isn’t the most radio friendly song. Official Site: www.frightenedrabbit.com/ Myspace: www.myspace.com/frightenedrabbit Stream Songs on HypeMachine Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon

TV on the Radio – Lover’s Day – Dear Science, (2008) - made my best of 2008 show also. - Most approachable of their albums, but brings so much energy and is still so much what TV on the Radio is and has been it does not suffer in the slightest. Official Site: www.tvontheradio.com/ Myspace: www.myspace.com/tvotr Stream Songs on HypeMachine Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon

The National – Mr. November – Alligator (2005) - released the self titled debut in 2001 - originally from Ohio but got together in NY in the late 90’s - Boxer was their 2007 breakout album. - Usually a fairly subdued sound but that’s hardly the case here. Official Site: www.americanmary.com/ Myspace: www.myspace.com/thenational Stream Songs on HypeMachine Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon

King Khan & The BBQ Show – God Of Raisins – Animal Party 7” (2009) - King Khan’s other outfit… this is with BBQ Show (Marc Sultan) - Rougher blues soul sounds as opposed to his work with the shrines which has a bigger backing band. - King Khan has yet to release an unenjoyable piece of music Official Site: www.kkbbq.com/ Myspace: www.myspace.com/thekingkhanbbqshow Stream Songs on HypeMachine Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon

Les Savy Fav – Scout’s Honor – 3/5 (1997) - debut album - one of the truly unique bands going. - Latest album, Let’s Stay Friends is flawless. - Lead Singer Tim Harrington is the best frontman I’ve ever seen live. Official Site: www.lessavyfav.com/ Myspace: www.myspace.com/lessavyfav Stream Songs on HypeMachine Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon

Animal Collective – Summertime Clothes – Merriweather Post Pavilion (2009) - possibly the most hyped and raved about band next to Radiohead - a hint of folk mixed into a bowl of diverse and experimental building music. - their album cover is one of the freakiest things I’ve ever looked at. Official Site: http://www.myanimalhome.net/ Myspace: www.myspace.com/animalcollectivetheband Stream Songs on HypeMachine Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon

Yeasayer – No Need To Worry – All Hour Cymbals (2008) - break out debut album - the offer a diverse range of styles like Animal Collective but don't go quite as far out there. - This track and '2080' are the two best on the album. - ALSO: check out their song on Dark Was The Night 'Tightrope.' It's streaming on my sidebar towards the top! Official Site: www.yeasayer.net/ Myspace: www.myspace.com/yeasayer Stream Songs on HypeMachine Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon

Phosphorescent - I Am A Full Grown Man (I Will Lay in the Grass All Day) – Aw Come Aw Wry (2005) - debut album - folk singer/songwriter - just released a Willie Nelson Tribute album, ‘To Willie’ Myspace: www.myspace.com/phosphorescent Stream Songs on HypeMachine Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon

Sufjan Stevens – You Are the Blood - Dark Was The Night (2009) - star studded forthcoming charity compilation for The Red Hot Organization (AIDS & HIV) - it seems weird to want to pick a compilation as one of the year’s best albums but the talent and quality of these tracks is undeniable. - Almost every artist on the 2-disc album is responsible for a great album on their own. Sufjan Stevens Myspace: www.myspace.com/sufjanstevens Dark Was The Night Myspace: www.myspace.com/darkwasthenight Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon (Out February 16th)