Lindstrøm and Christabelle 'Lovesick'

I'm told that the video for Lovesick by Lindstrom and Christabelle is made up of scenes from True Blood. I don't watch that show but I love this song. Lindstrom is a Norwegian DJ and Christabelle is a vocalist. Loving this album. Most of the album reminds me musically of Michael Jackson and italo disco. This song doesn't remind me of either..but it's hot.

Beach House 'Teen Dream'

I won't do this album justice by attempting to review it as beautifully as NME has just done..This album might be the best album I've heard in a couple of years..I make no secret about loving depressing music and this album is gorgeous but it is indeed quite sad. Fans of My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive and possibly even Nico will like this album. Between this album and the new Massive Attack album, I'm very content musically right now. Those are the only two albums I've been able to listen to for the past few days..nonstop.

http://nme.ipcdigital.co.uk/reviews/beach-house/11016

The XX 'XX'

Great album. This album was voted #2 in NME's Best albums of 2009 and you can see why. Another band that's difficult to categorize. Really cute and sad album. Lots of synths, quiet beats, sexy basslines, heartbreaking lyrics and dueling male/female vocals. There are elements of Portishead and Mazzy star in here..More subtle and polished than both of those bands, however..A bit shoegazey at times..Romantic vocals. This is a bad review..but that's cuz they have me stumped to come up with influences. Just buy the fuckin thing. You'll love it.

The Andrew Review: 93 out of 100

These New Puritans 'Hidden'

Review of full album to come..for now, enjoy the odd, sexy and totally awesome video for their single 'We Want War'.

Noah and the Whale 'The First Days of Spring'

Review still to come..in the meantime, check out the video for the title track off the album. Amazing. Gorgeous. Heartbreaking.

Noah and the Whale “The First Days of Spring” Music Video from Indie Rock Reviews on Vimeo.

Dala 'Everyone Is Someone'

In a word: Wow. These two lovely ladies that make up the Canadian band Dala have it all. From the incredible harmonizing, brilliant song crafting and deep heartfelt lyrics, they've got me hooked. This is the album that Nina Gordon has been trying to make for years unsuccessfully. These ladies are in a league of their own, in my opinion. Typically I reserve the category of 'I'm Moving To Canada' on my blog as a reference for ridiculous videos by right wing nutjobs. Today, however, I really mean it. These ladies make me want to move to Canada due to their lovely lyrics about their homeland. This album was released at the end of 2009 but it is easily going into my top 3 albums of 2010 so far alongside Kristina Train's debut and Vampire Weekend's new album. I hope they get picked up for The Lilith Fair this summer.

Check out the video for the adorable single 'Levi Blues' and also my favourite track 'Lonely Girl'. I haven't started streaming songs on this site just yet..but I will..in the meantime I'm using youtube to stream music.

The Andrew Review: 97 out of 100

Whale

Remember this band from the 90's? I loved them.

Vampire Weekend

Ok so I haven't gotten a chance to write about Vampire Weekend on my blog so I shall take this opportunity to introduce you to them in case you've never had the pleasure of listening to them. They are AMAZING.

With the release of their 2nd album, Contra, they have become one of my top 5 bands of all-time. Yup, you read that right. They are THAT good. I'll post a few videos of theirs but, honestly, they are a band that deserves your full attention from beginning to end of their albums. The Beatles are the obvious influence here but to simply dismiss them as a Beatles rip off would be poor. I don't remember the last time that I heard a band incorporate so many different sounds and still be listenable. They incorporate African sounds, late 60's Beatles and Reggae-ish songs into pop/rock perfection.

Do yourself a huge favor and buy BOTH of their albums. They are a band that I initially dismissed as 'the next big thing'..I jumped on the bandwagon late but I will be a lifer..I can't wait to hear what they do next!

The Andrew Review: 100 out of 100. Pure Perfection.

One of My All-Time Faves: The Chemical Brothers' 'Out of Control'

Ok, I know this song is old but I don't care. I hate how impatient of a society we have become in that we only are interested in the newest songs and videos and we forget way too quickly about promoting older gems, like this one from The Chemical Brothers. The shelf life of a song is WAY too short these days. This song is one of my favourite songs of all-time. Yup, you read that right. I LOVE Bernard Sumner's voice. He's the lead singer from New Order, for anyone that doesn't know. I envision myself in my own version of the music video for this song all the time. ha. This song makes me feel sexy for some reason. Most recently, it has become my favourite song to dance to in the shower..sexy time.

The Chemical Brothers - Out of Control
Uploaded by Brownsugar18. - Explore more music videos.

Coffee & TV

This is very possibly one of my favourite music videos of all-time from my favourite band of all-time..

Blur - Coffee & TV
Uploaded by theo_prototype. - See the latest featured music videos.

Faggy Aggy

Dance.Pop.Addicted.Gay.Enjoy.

#1 One eskimO

#1 album of 2009 is.....drum roll, please......One eskimO's self-titled debut! This was a very difficult decision to make but this album sums up my year in a nutshell..The lyrics are full of heartache, disappointment and optimism. The music is somewhere between Beth Orton and Faithless..The vocals are beautiful and soothing and remind me of Graham Coxon..This album makes me feel something I haven't felt in years: Peace with myself. There's a childlike happiness that runs through my body every time I listen to this album on headphones, in the dark, in bed with the moon shining in my window. I don't assume that anyone else will get the rush of joy and peace I get while listening to this album but that's why this is my list and no one else's. I love the song 'Astronauts'. Most beautiful song I've heard all year. Every song is a journey for me and that's what 2009 has been. A long, difficult, painful journey where I've discovered my favorite 'me'. This album helped me get there. I'll post the full list of my Top 25 of 2009 for anyone that's interested. Happy New Year, everyone!

Gabriella Cilmi

Great pop song. I know it's not new but it's probably new for most of you guys..I don't believe it was ever released here. Gabriella has a great voice. Enjoy!

#2 Memory Tapes

#2 on my list is Memory Tapes and their incredible album 'Seek Magic'. It was so hard for me not to put this album as my #1 album of the year. It very well might be. This is my breakup album of the year. Hands down. It's only depressing in the lyrics though. The music is mostly electronic based. The influences here are all over the map but the one that keeps on coming into my head is New Order. Anyone who's a fan of New Order or the '80s will know what I mean when you hear the basslines. I'm not sure if this album has even been released in the US but it should be. Every song is amazing. There are only 8 songs but every one of them effortlessly weaves into the other. 'Seek Magic' is mesmerizing in the morning, when you're driving, going for a run and even trying to fall asleep. Fuck, am I really sure I want to make this my #2 album? There are no music videos by them but check out 'Stop Talking' below. Listen to the whole thing. This album is meant to be listened to with headphones. ENJOY!

#3 Lisa Hannigan

#3 on my list is Lisa Hannigan's album 'Sea Sew'. If you're a fan of Damien Rice, you will know Lisa as the female vocal in a lot of his songs. She released her own album earlier this year and it's gorgeous, uplifting and pensive. Sweeping choruses, strings, piano, acoustic guitar..and gorgeous vocals. It's a very simple album that gets better with every listen. If you're a fan of Damien Rice and Irish female singers like Sinead Lohan, pick this one up. This album never ceases to put me in a good mood. Check out the adorable video for 'I Don't Know'.

#4 Sonya Kitchell

#4 is Sonya Kitchell's album 'This Storm'. Woah. There's not enough I can say about her talent. She's only 20 years old and her voice, lyrics and music are that of a woman that's twice her age. Her voice is slightly jazzy, which I love. She's not breaking any new ground, musically, but this album is so high on my list because it has gotten me through this year. I related to Sonya's feelings of self doubt, lonliness and optimism more than any other artist that made music this year. Her music goes between alt country to Lilith Fair-ish to acoustic pop. If that sounds like your bag, you'll love this album. Ok, I give up: I'm coming out of the closet again..this time as a lesbian. Download the whole album. Fave song: 'So Lonely'.

#5 Imogen Heap

#5 on my list is Imogen Heap's gorgeous album 'Ellipse'. Imogen Heap blends piano/keyboard driven songs and subtle electronic music as well as just about anyone making music today. She's eccentric with her expression and lyrics and has a beautiful singing voice. I've loved her since her debut album I-Megaphone back in 1998. Chances are, if you're into Tori Amos and Bjork you'll probably like Imogen but her sound is really all her own. She produces AND releases all of her own music. She's such a well rounded artist. Do yourself and favor and watch the snow fall and listen to Imogen's beautiful album on headphones. Download: First Train Home, Wait It Out, Swoon, Bad Body Double, Aha!, Canvas and (my favorite song) 'Half Life'.

#6 DJ Tiesto

#6 is DJ Tiesto's amazing album 'Kaleidoscope'. Ok. Now it's getting harder and harder for me because the rest of these remaining albums are just incredible and DJ Tiesto's album is no exception. This is easily the best dance album of the year with songs featuring: Nelly Furtado, Emily Haines from Metric, Sneaky Sound System, Tegan & Sara and Calvin Harris among others. This is my favorite album to listen to while on the subway or walking down the street in NY. If you like dance music you MUST download this album. The most played song on my I-Phone and computer in 2009 was 'Knock You Out' featuring Emily Haines from Metric. Incredible. Also download: Who Wants to Be Alone, You Are My Diamond, I Will Be Here, I Am Strong and Escape Me. And check out the video below for 'I Will Be Here'. This video is S-I-C-K.

#7 Miike Snow

#7 is the band Miike Snow and their self-titled debut album. This band is comprised of 3 men, 2 of which are the guys that make up the production team of Bloodshy & Avant who you'll know best as the producers of Toxic by Britney Spears and countless other pop hits. The music on this album reminds me of Peter, Bjorn and John but better in my opinion. Male vocals, catchy choruses and stellar production. I highly recommend Miike Snow to any fans of all of the Swedish bands making waves on the alternative music charts around the world. Download: Burial, Song for No one, Sans Soleil, Animal and Black & Blue.

New Dangerous Muse Single + Video!

IM IN LOVE with the singer from Dangerous Muse. His voice is pure sex and he is fucking gorgeous. He's straight, unfortunately..Watch this video and then google them to see more pics of the lead singer, Mike Furey. Oh yea, and the music is great too. haha. Kind of a throwback to Depeche Mode style pop..way poppier, though..The song was produced by Bloodshy & Avant who produced Britney Spears' 'Toxic' among many other popular songs from the last 10 years. Enjoy!