Fever Ray, the self-titled solo album from The Knife's Karin Dreijer is now available for download.  I am already swooning by the third track.  Here is the video for first single "If I Had a Heart":

Karin will also be providing a guest appearance on the upcoming Royksopp album, Junior, due in March.  According to stereogum, other guest vocalists include previous collaborator Anneli Drecker, Lykke Li, & Robyn.  That information alone is making my head explode from awesomeness.  Here is one of my favorite songs & videos ever, featuring Karin:

Also due in March/April, the sophmore album from Bat For Lashes which I'm sure will be wonderful if it's even a bit as good as Fur and Gold. 

Looking forward to new ones from Morrissey, Marianne Faithfull, and Franz Ferdinand which come out soon and later in the year, a new Depeche Mode album is due April 21st.

Another year come and gone already.  Lots of good music discoveries this year, who cares if they were officially released in 2008 or not!  Saw lots of great shows, most notably Joanna Newsom with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.  Also: M83, Presets, Robyn, Lykke Li, Basia Bulat, St. Vincent.  It was an up & down year for me personally, but very exciting for the country and hopefully the world.  We need to start undoing these mistakes, and stop the current ones in their tracks.  Inauguration Day could not come soon enough.  But I digress...

10.  M83 - Saturdays = Youth
Epic synths, Kate Bush in space, The Breakfast Club
9.  Santogold - Santogold
Wonderful album semi-produced by the likes of Diplo & Switch with unexpected twists like Siouxsie samples
8.  Brazilian Girls - New York City
Eclectic globe-trotting party album
7.  Zeigeist - The Jade Motel
More synths, but this time with desperate, moody love songs that are a bit naughty.
6.  The Presets - Apocalypso
Very rough but tongue-in-cheek.  Not too much of a stretch from Beams, just slightly more refined.
5.  The Black Ghosts - The Black Ghosts
Stumbled upon this album and so glad I did.  Lovely vocals atop a perfect blend of indie and electro.
4.  Lykke Li - Youth Novels
Deeply personal, a bit schizophrenic, with songs that get stuck in your head but you don't mind singing along. 
3.  Metronomy - Nights Out
Sad love songs over strange samples (creaky door, wha?) and vocal manipulations that border on Mickey Mouse.  Somehow it all works beautifully.
2.  Portishead - Third
Such a welcome comeback that almost made 10 years worth the wait.  More instrumentation, but original style is there and Beth's vocals are still heart-breaking.  Beautifully dark lyrics.  Let's hope the next album isn't in 20.
1.  Róisín Murphy - Overpowered
Róisín Murphy has been in and out of my life several times without me really knowing.  I had a Moloko album back in the day but never really caught on.  Too bad I lost interest right before they got really good.  Ruby Blue was a softer, more personal album.  Overpowered is all-out guns-blazing sugary-sweet dance.  There is no blend of styles here, she is in a world all her own.  Every track has single potential, and even the gimmicky ones are just too fun to ignore.  100% guilt-free pop music, if only every artist could raise the bar this high it'd be a much more interesting landscape.  She's what Post-era Bjork was, what Goldfrapp aspires to be, what Kylie Minogue would be if she had a little more, and I mean this in the nicest way, depth.  Sincere, honest, technical, but all with a sense of humor.  I don't care if this was released in 07 08 or 09. 

Well that's it, hope you see something you like!  Happy New Year!  A few videos below:

Another year coming to a close already.  I'll be posting my top 10 sometime in the next week, but here are a few honorable mentions for albums that I quite enjoyed throughout the year:

No Kids - Come Into My House
Leila - Blood Looms & Blooms
The Bug - London Zoo
Kylie Minogue - X
Hercules & Love Affair
Yelle - Pop-up
Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreak
Sam Sparro
Hot Chip - Made in the Dark
Chairlift - Does You Inspire You
N*E*R*D - Seeing Sounds
Madonna - Hard Candy
Miss Kittin - Batbox
Groove Armada - Soundboy Rock
Estelle - Shine

I narrowed this down from a little over 50.  I keep a running list throughout the year (I know, pathetic, but very easy to do thanks to listal.com) and realized that although there were a lot of releases I was excited about, very few seemed to be good albums throughout and just had 1 or 2 great songs.

A couple albums that were officially released here this year (Kylie, Yelle, Robyn, etc.) made my list but others were on last year or just got lost in the shuffle.  My number 1 falls under this category...

 

You have probably heard Metronomy.  They have done many remixes for many great artists.  My personal fav, and the one that introduced me to the UK electronic trio is the Temposhark & Imogen Heap collaboration "Not That Big."  More notably, they've done mixes for Franz Ferdinand, Ladytron, and Gorillas and recently Lykke Li ("I'm Good, I'm Gone") and Goldfrapp ("Happiness")    

 
Their sound evokes elements of Klaxons, LCD Soundsystem, and Junior Senior.  Their latest album Nights Out, released last month in the UK, is a collection of dance-tinged songs about heartbreak with fey, melancholic vocal layers & instrumentals that stand on their own as great tracks.

A wonderful album overall, definitely worth checking out if you can find it. 

And just in time for Halloween, here's a stand-out track from their 2006 album Pip Paine.

I must say, I am quite disappointed in myself for not jumping on the Roisin Murphy train when Ruby Blue came out.  In the past couple of weeks I went from pleasantly surprised after viewing the You Know Me Better video to pretty much obsessed, non-stop listening, finding any b-side and remix I possibly can. 

Roisin was one half of Moloko.  I liked a few songs off Do You Like My Tight Sweater back in the day (1995, yikes) but never really got into it farther than that.  Roisin incorporates a lot of elements that made Moloko stick out into her solo efforts but she really does have a style all her own and you just can not help but to get sucked in.

Her latest album, Overpowered, is a collection of great tunes that mix dance & electronic with a dash of disco and a pop sensibility.  It's really hard to compare her to other artists because she really stands on her own, but Goldfrapp & Kylie Minogue come to mind. 

The Matthew Herbert produced Ruby Blue is really far-removed from Overpowered.  It's much quieter, subdued, with more of a focus on vocal elements and a bit darker.  Which soul is also another very important part of her style... she has an amazing voice.

Anyway, check her out, I doubt you'll be disappointed.  I see she's playing CMJ this year so maybe that will be her chance to break through/out/etc.  In the states anyway, naturally, she's already a star around the world... 

I had the pleasure of seeing St. Vincent in concert recently and was blown away by her mad skillz.  This cover in particular has stuck with me.  So great!

There's an interview up with her at pitchfork worth checking out too.

I was so thrilled to see that Lykke Li is opening for El Perro Del Mar on her current tour that I decided to post about it on Vox.

Lykke Li's album Youth Novels is pretty much flawless.  With a perfect balance of catchy sweet pop tunes, and depressing slow jams, it's going to be one of the best albums of 2008... if not the best.  Check out songs on left, and video for "Little Bit" below.

Mixed year, I think, for music.  I managed to find some interesting albums though.  Even a couple of bound-to-be all-time favorites.  I may be posting a zip of a mix sometime this week, but for now, here are my favorite albums of 2007:

10.  LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver

Honestly, I only love 2 songs on this album.  I flipped when it came out, like a year ago, but got sick of it quickly.  But "Get Innocuous" and especially "Someone Great" are just too beautiful to ignore. 

9.  Au Revoir Simone - The Bird of Music
This band borders on twee at some points, but they just have a lot of sweet harmonies and 3x keyboard action

8.  Underworld - Oblivion with Bells
I love Underworld.  I admit they have lost their edge but still make consistent great electronic music.  Kind of surprised so many people dis-liked this one.  I thought it was better than 100 days off. 

7.  We Are Wolves - Total Magique
This band is amazing, especially live.  I was really anticipating this release, their first album was so good.  Electro-punk?  Is that a faux pas?  I dunno, but that's what they are. 

6.  Misha - Teardrop Sweetheart
I sang the praises of this band earlier but I don't think anyone heard me.  And that's fine.  I guess.  One of my most-listened to albums this year easily.  So pretty.

5. Bjork - Volta
Yes, it pains me to have a Bjork album on my list that is not at #1 or #2, but look at the albums before it!  I did love Volta, it's just not the easiest album to listen to, but that's why I love Bjork.  She defies everything.  I actually liked it better than Vespertine. 

4.  St. Vincent - Marry Me
I don't know why I resisted her at first.  Oh, right, I read she was in Polyphonic Spree.  But don't hold that against her!  This album is amazing!  And yeah you listen and think of every female artist before her but once you get over that knee-jerk reaction, you'll find a very layered, complex, sincere album.  Can't wait to see her live.

3.  Emmon - The Art & The Evil
Emmon epitomizes why I love the internet.  I can be bored one day, listening to the Knife, and think to myself "hmm, I wonder who this Emmon person is who remixed You Take My Breath Away" and a few wikipedia clicks and google searches away, you've found her myspace!  I watched a couple videos and immediately bought everything she ever released from her label in Sweden.  And I don't regret it!  She's totally glam electro pop but she's so unbelievably good at it that you'll over look the fact that.. she's glam electro pop.  Aside from my #1, this was my other most-listened to album of the year.  According to Itunes, at least 84 times.  Eek.

2.  Bat For Lashes - Fur & Gold
I hear a lot of comparisons for Bat for Lashes but I don't really hear them.  The only analogy I can come up with is "it's what Cat Power would sound like if she weren't boring"  Completely original, and musical, such a nice balance of light & dark.  Her touring band is amazing as well, so.. many... instruments. 

1.  M.I.A. - Kala

Easily my favorite album of the year, one of my favorites ever, actually.  Never thought it would be possible to top Arular but here we have Kala and it blows the former out of the water.  You know that your shit is good when the weakest track on an album is the one Timbaland produced... and it's still fucking good!  This seemed like the year of M.I.A. but well-deserved and I just hope that her quitting music was not true.  We need more M.I.A.s in the world.  Seriously, just listen!  If you haven't melted by the second "M.I.A.'s comin back with power power" then I think you have no soul and/or ears.

Based on these albums, a pretty good year for music I would say.  Still, hopefully 08 will be a billion times better because aside from this, 07 kinda sucked. 

Merry xmas & happy new year and all that stuff. 

So before I post my traditional year end list of favorite albums no one cares about, let's take a look at the almost made its and the didn't make its because it technically doesn't come out until 08 AND the looking forward to in 08's.

Robyn - Robyn
So this album came out in 2006, I think.  Came out in some countries this year, but not due for US release until February 08.  Oh well, it'll definitely make my list next year.  Almost every song has single potential.  Fun, witty, complex pop music delivered like no other, Robyn is destined to be a superstar... again.

Kylie Minogue - X
Is this even out yet?  I don't know, I can't follow release dates anymore.  All I know is I have it and it's a million times better than her last album, but not quite up to par with Fever.  Pretty damn close though.  Love me some Kylie.

Santogold - ?
Santogold has an EP that is unbelievably good.  No official commercial releases yet, but they're coming soon.  Hoping for a full length in 08.  Think MIA meets YYYs?

Portishead -  ? 
New Portishead finally due in March.  And they unveiled a handful of new songs at a recent live show, which are amazing.

 

Outside of my top 10, here's what I was listening to in '07

Basia Bulat - Oh My Darling
Bonde do Role - With Lasers
The Go! Team - Proof of Youth
PJ Harvey - White Chalk
Interpol - Our Love to Admire
Junior Senior - Hey Hey My My Yo Yo
Klaxons - Myths of the Near Future
Klima - Klima
Long Blondes - Someone to Drive You Home
Menomena - Friend & Foe
Muscles - Guns Babes Lemonade
New Young Pony Club - Fantastic Playroom
Tujiko Noriko - Solo
Radiohead - In Rainbows
Rihanna - Good Girl Gone Bad
Siouxsie - Mantaray
The Tough Alliance - New Chance
Kanye West - Graduation
Amy Winehouse - Back to Black
Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Isis EP

What's more exciting and original than summing up your year in a series of lists?  Anyway, went to a ton of shows this year and since I'm not going to another one (I'm aware of at the moment) until February, here are some great shows I saw this year:

2/28/07  The Thermals - Subterranean in Chicago
I still can't believe I got tickets to this show.  Tiny venue, they kicked so much ass, and it was packed as hell.  Such a great band to see live.  I think I saw them 3 times this year alone, and 6 or 7 times total, this was easily the best.

3/23/07  Ellen Allien - Smart Bar in Chicago
My first proper DJ gig that lasted like 5 or 6 hours.  Safety Scissors opened.  I fell in love with Ellen at this show, being unfamiliar with a lot of her work I was really blown away.  Also saw the Presets the following night at the Metro which was good times.

4/12/07  The Gossip - Abbey Pub in Chicago
Yes, I've seen the Gossip a million times, this show was special though.  So much fun and probably the last time we'll ever see them in an "intimate" venue. 

4/27/07  Coachella - Night 1 in Indo, CA
Saw Bjork in the middle of the desert for the first time in years, I think this was even before Volta was leaked I mean released legitimately.  Also saw Interpol, Peaches, and whoever else.  Traffic was a nightmare and it was hot as fuck but everything else was lovely.

5/6/07  LCD Soundsystem - Metro in Chicago
I'm still kicking myself for missing them with MIA a few years ago.  So hard.  I just won't get over it.  But yeah it was a great show.  A lot of their stuff bores the hell out of me but everything translated really well live.

5/12/07  Bjork - Auditorium Theatre in Chicago
This was a special show because of the people I went with but pretty nice choice of songs and great energy.  Our seats were kind of shitty but the sound was good and overall one of the better Bjork shows I've seen.  God don't I ever

get stick of seeing the same people over and over?  I think I need a new hobby.

7/27/07  Bat For Lashes - Schubas & 10/2/07  Empty Bottle in Chicago
Another wtf moment in regards to the size of the venue.  I mean how are they not playing stadiums yet?  So good live, so many great re-workings of songs, and the second show included a new song and a Tom Waits cover. 

10/12/07  Final Fantasy - Schuba's in Chicago
I'm still thinking about this damn show 2 months later.  Amaaaazing.  So my boyfriend almost fell asleep, so what.  I was mesmerized the whole night.  Another sold out show in a tiny venue that I'm still surprised I managed to get into.  Basia Bulat opened who was also lovely and I totally bought her album between sets like I was 12.  Well, I made my boyfriend buy it because I was too embarassed.

10/20/07  Morrissey - Star Plaza in Merrillville, IN
What a bizarre night this was.  We had really good seats and as hard as I fight it I'm such a Moz fanboy.  It's pretty gross.  But yeah, great show.  Way better than the NY show the following week. 

11/23/07  M.I.A.  - The Vic in Chicago
My first M.I.A. show and if the rumors are true, probably my last.  I can't remember the last time I was that excited tosee someone live.  Show was so much fun, as expected.  Kala is fucking brilliant.

Am I forgetting anyone?  Eh?  There were only a couple disappointing shows (Patrick Wolf, the Brunettes, etc) So overall pretty good.  I see St. Vincent is touring so I'll be seeing her in February.  Other than that I have no idea what to expect from 08.