New Music for a New Year
Four Artists to Tickle Your Ears in 2010
Josh Boden
Issue date: 12/10/09 Section: Entertainment
As the last days of 2009 flash by, another year of musical startups and starlets, breakthroughs and breakups is sealed in the history books forever. No doubt historians will recall how the unassuming Susan Boyle shocked us all, Beyoncé rallied all the single ladies, and Miley Cyrus got the USA partying. Then Lady Gaga chided those pesky paparazzi while Owl City peaked the charts with all that punchy Macbook powerpop.
But instead of dwelling on what's behind, let us look ahead to the glorious arrival of another year. As we clink our glasses and welcome 2010, maybe a fresh taste of new music will put a bounce in our booted steps this winter.
For those tired of Taylor's love story or appalled by Adam's antics, the following trot around the musical globe covers some artists definitely worth a listen.
Freelance Whales
Pop/Experimental
New York
What's as soothing as sweeping shoegaze rock, or as fun as poppy melodic hooks? Try all of the above … and throw in a few banjo riffs. This quintet from Queens takes anthem-style ambience to a whole new level. Look for the single "Hannah" on iTunes or check out the banjo-infused experimental instrumental "Generator^1st Floor".
For fans of Owl City and M83 … and everything in between.
Calvin Harris
Indie/Electro/Dance
Scotland
The country that gave us bagpipes, William Wallace, and the Loch Ness Monster has another gift to offer the world of music. Scottish sensation Calvin Harris has yet to make a major splash across the pond with his disco-dance beats, but his memorable blend of Justice-style synthwork and disco era vocals should make a fan out of any casual listener.
For fans of Duran Duran, Daftpunk, and dancing like you just don't care.
K'Naan
Hip-Hop/Afrobeat
Somalia/Canada
Hip-hop is a genre constantly in motion, as newcomers burst onto top 40 charts and iPods every week. Well, here is one that is not going to disappear any time soon. In the midst of a genre not typically revered for its promotion of integrity, an African artist from one of the most volatile countries in the world is drawing attention with refreshing social consciousness. This Somali-Canadian artist spews in-your-face conviction over layered hip-hop beats, and he's not afraid to challenge any who hear his music.
For fans of good beats … and harsh reality.
Kings of Convenience
Acoustic/Alternative
Norway
You may have heard "I'd Rather Dance With You", the Norwegian duo's charming acoustic toe-tapper or seen the more ridiculous music video. If not, you should check it out, and then keep listening to more fun offerings from the pair. Blending just the right amount of silly and soothing, the Kings are not as quirky as Flight of the ConCHORDS but just as fun. Look for songs recorded with Feist for an extra treat.
For fans of Iron and Wine and lazing around on a sunny afternoon.
But instead of dwelling on what's behind, let us look ahead to the glorious arrival of another year. As we clink our glasses and welcome 2010, maybe a fresh taste of new music will put a bounce in our booted steps this winter.
For those tired of Taylor's love story or appalled by Adam's antics, the following trot around the musical globe covers some artists definitely worth a listen.
Freelance Whales
Pop/Experimental
New York
What's as soothing as sweeping shoegaze rock, or as fun as poppy melodic hooks? Try all of the above … and throw in a few banjo riffs. This quintet from Queens takes anthem-style ambience to a whole new level. Look for the single "Hannah" on iTunes or check out the banjo-infused experimental instrumental "Generator^1st Floor".
For fans of Owl City and M83 … and everything in between.
Calvin Harris
Indie/Electro/Dance
Scotland
The country that gave us bagpipes, William Wallace, and the Loch Ness Monster has another gift to offer the world of music. Scottish sensation Calvin Harris has yet to make a major splash across the pond with his disco-dance beats, but his memorable blend of Justice-style synthwork and disco era vocals should make a fan out of any casual listener.
For fans of Duran Duran, Daftpunk, and dancing like you just don't care.
K'Naan
Hip-Hop/Afrobeat
Somalia/Canada
Hip-hop is a genre constantly in motion, as newcomers burst onto top 40 charts and iPods every week. Well, here is one that is not going to disappear any time soon. In the midst of a genre not typically revered for its promotion of integrity, an African artist from one of the most volatile countries in the world is drawing attention with refreshing social consciousness. This Somali-Canadian artist spews in-your-face conviction over layered hip-hop beats, and he's not afraid to challenge any who hear his music.
For fans of good beats … and harsh reality.
Kings of Convenience
Norway
You may have heard "I'd Rather Dance With You", the Norwegian duo's charming acoustic toe-tapper or seen the more ridiculous music video. If not, you should check it out, and then keep listening to more fun offerings from the pair. Blending just the right amount of silly and soothing, the Kings are not as quirky as Flight of the ConCHORDS but just as fun. Look for songs recorded with Feist for an extra treat.
For fans of Iron and Wine and lazing around on a sunny afternoon.
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