ADD These Records To Your Musical Playlist

Is your musical playlist getting a little stale? Here is a list of music you should download to spruce up that playlist. If I can’t convince you to download the entire record, then at least consider listening to the top track pick. 

Lykke Li – I Never Learn – Swedish songstress Lykke Li returns with her third record sounding more mature and wounded on this record then her last.  Acoustic guitars, piano, her confessional lyrics all makes for a solid record. Top track pick: Gunshot 

Tune Yards – Nikki Nack – probably Merrill Garbus most accessible records. She appears as the woman child with her fun bright appearance, clapping hands and chants on this record which makes her indie sound so unique. She is someone who may take some getting used to, but it’s worth getting to know her sound. Top track pick: Sink-O 

Afghan Whigs – Do To The Beast – After a 16 year absence, the Whigs are back and Greg Dulli is sounding raw, damaged, middle aged and still heartbroken. I wouldn’t want it any other way. I don’t think I could handle a happy Afghan Whigs record. Dulli sticks to his rock bluesy tortured sound and it doesn’t fail. A nice strong come back from one of the best bands from the 90’s.  Top track pick: Parked Outside 

Dean Wareham – self titled – You know Dean from the bands Luna & Galaxie 500 and here he is with his first solo record. Dean delivers wonderfully melodic songs with well written lyrics.  Despite his dry simple voice, his songs are so listenable; it’s a definite ADD to your playlist. Top track pick: The Dancer Disappears 

Sharon Van Etten – Are We There – on her fourth record, we hear Sharon still sounding heartbroken but strong. She writes great break up songs, and this record is full of them. She has gone with the piano and acoustic guitar on this record more so than the electric guitar. The songs sound richer and deeper this time around. Top track pick: Taking Chances 

The Black Keys – Turn Blue– The Black Keys have been kicking out records consistently since 2002, Turn Blue is record number nine for them. I was really surprised by how soulful this record was, it was not what I was expecting. I always expect Dan Auerbach’s grinding guitar but not so much this time around. The songs are more melodic and may take you, the hardcore Black Keys, a few listens to really like this record.  Top track pick: Gotta Get Away 

Elbow – The Take Off & Landing Of Everything- UK’s Elbow has always been a hit or miss band for me.  This is their 6th record and it feels very consistent for me as opposed to only liking a few songs, I like all the songs on this record.  They crafted a really nice sound on this record, subtle yet melodic. Top track pick: New York Morning 

Coldplay – Ghost Stories – This is a record I don’t recommend, sorry Coldplay fans don’t come after me, this is a sleepy record with all the heartbreak songs on it, it’s just yawn. Sadly, the band has left their guitar in a closet and keep piano handy on too many songs and then I am asleep. I finally work up when the band cranks out the song, A Sky Full Of Stars, the only good song on this record.  

Don’t forget to tune into WXAV (88.3fm or @ www.wxav.com) every Wednesday night from 7pm to 9pm for Alternative Sounds For Your Head with host radioruta. Alternative, indie, new wave, punk, electronic music and more!!  Also, Music While U Work Thursday mornings 9am to 11am.