It’s been probably over a year or two so since I’ve had the time to sit down and really soak up an album. Since my unemployment I’ve been mentally all over the place. Fear, anxiety, excitement, the blahs, and some bliss. Throughout this time I’ve been listening to music a lot and found a few that just get played way too much to not be shared with others.

Number one on my list is anything by my newly discovered favorite artist, Antony and The Johnsons. He/she’s the most eccentric artists I’ve ever listened to. If you’ve been around me, you know I like weird shit. While the singer is really the most eccentric part of the band, it’s the lyrics belted out with amazing vocals and accompanying lyrics that are just hauntingly beautiful. Antony’s voice is very unique, it has the characteristics of a female voice but there are a few tones that I’ve only heard guys hit. Possibly my favorite song from the new album is Aeon.

A second favorite from an older album of Antony’s is Fist Full of Love

Next one up is Florence and The Machines. I think she’s been popular over in the UK for a while but until Matt pointed her out to me I was clueless. Her voice reminds me of Natalie Merchant mixed with a little bit of Stevie Nicks. Most of the songs are just fun and not serious. I could see her getting big here if she had more press.

Florence and The Machines – Dog Days
Florence And The Machine – Dog Days

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Quickly becoming a favorite of mine is Bat For Lashes, (another one Matt told me about). She’s had one album out that wasn’t extremely successful, but still has some really good songs on it. I do remember seeing the video for What’s A Girl To Do forever ago. Her new album Two Suns is good from beginning to end. The entire album is about duality, I think almost every song has a mention of two of something. She apparently has an alter personality that she’s in conflict with throughout the album (snore). I could honestly care less about the alternate personality thing because it’s been done before over and over again. But if having a split personality helps you create a good album then by all means, write away. So tossing the cheesiness aside, Bat For Lashes aka Natasha Khan created a pretty and engaging album. Check out my favorite song Pearl’s Dream video below:

Some other recommendations include, The Gossip – Music for Men

Gossip – Long Love Distance (Live 2009) from yonki on Vimeo.

and

Grouper – Dragging a Dead Deer Up A Hill.

Like I said, my moods and my music selections are all over the map lately. I’m curious to hear what y’all have been putting on repeat lately? I love discovering new stuff so let me know in the comments.