Shake It Fast!

It's summer - which means there's a surplus of music that is determined to make you dance. I'm into this trend, to say the least. If you'd like to shake your ass to some quality jams, read on!

Right now, it's all about artist Santogold. Rolling Stone, Spin, and BBC have all named her 'artist to watch' in 2008 - and for good reason. The Wesleyan graduate draws some signficant M.I.A comparisons, but don't be fooled, she is no copycat. Santogold's music has obvious 80's and new wave influences in songs like "Creator" and the latest track "L.E.S. Artistes" - a satirical take on typical Lower East Siders. Santogold's sound is pop music in that it's catchy and high-energy, but it's also a lot more. Check her out here. You won't be sorry.

I could not think of a band that inspires ass-shaking any more this summer than Boston's Passion Pit. Headed by the elusive musical mastermind Michael Angelakos, this innovative electronic band is seriously onto something. Passion Pit uses a refreshing mix of samples, unruly synth, and infectious drumbeats to create intricate tracks like "Sleepyhead" and the adorable lovesong "I've Got Your Number." Recently signed to Frenchkiss Records, Passion Pit's latest EP is expected to drop this September. And it's gonna be good. This is the stuff that compels you to blast music from your car and bounce spastically in your seat. It's also the music that makes you wish you had a cute boyfriend to write incredibly catchy electropop lovesongs about you. Listen to Passion Pit jams right here. And if you're in the New York area, check out their shows all during the month of August!

Had I beeen writing in this blog last summer, I probably would have written about the UK band The Noisettes. Why? Because they are fun. They make energetic, exciting, rock 'n roll music. And I feel cool when I listen to it. The band's Myspace describes singer Shingai Shoniwa as, "Billie Holiday on PCP while patrolling the stage like an Amazonian Warrior with an eye for fashion." This is very accurate - and I cannot think of any better reason to check out their page and listen to "Scratch Your Name" right here! Also, while you're there - bug them to release a new record.

The catchy powerpop of Late of the Pier has been pulling me in for quite some time now. I will admit that the band's hotness was what initially drew me in - but seriously. This stuff is good. It is just poppy enough to appeal to the masses, but posesses a just enough electric quirkiness to keep us hooked. If you're tired of the Chromeo and MGMT scene, I'd recommend checking out this band for something equally entertaining but a little less played out. Listen to the fast-paced track "Focker" here.

Let's talk about international music...

The Do (pronounced like the first note on the muscical scale) are a Finnish/French duo based out of Paris. It probably helps that both Dan [music]and Olivia [vocals] are completely adorable as well as French - but their music is simplicity at its best. Olivia's voice is reminiscent of the quirky and loveable artist Mirah. The band channels older folk/pop music to create a sound that is unexpectedly unique and guranteed to capture your attention. Listen to the tracks "On My Shoulders" and "At Last" here.

I have been trying to turn people on to the Scottish band

Glasvegas for a little over a year now. Personally, I am a sucker for any musicians who sing with an obvious accent - so this is where Glasvegas hooks me in. They aren't exactly 'unknown' as their single "Daddy's Gone" was voted #2 single of the year by the UK-based New Musical Express. The band was recently signed to Columbia records to release their self-titled album this year. But they have yet to receive the same hype in America. Glasvegas is rock music with an emotional twist - singer James Allen injects personal stories into the band's music, resulting in a product that is not only catchy but connects to the listener on a more intimate level. Check out a clip of the heartfelt song "Daddy's Gone" here.

Anyone who hasn't heard of Swedish artist Lykke Li by now is significantly missing out. Li's sweet high-pitched voice and innovative beats are a breath of fresh air. When I say that her music is unlike anything I have heard recently, I mean that it is both genre-bending and lyrically unique. The sound of her music not only varies from song to song, but within the songs themselves. If you enjoy upbeat, quirky, and slightly bizarre music, check out the track "Until We Bleed" here.

It begins...

Behold! The creation of my very own music blog. I have decided to start this blog simply for the purpose of recommending music to my friends; and any other people who might trust my judgement. I figured writing in this blog will make more sense than sending sporadic emails to people who ask me what music they should be listening to.

So! I hope this blog will spread precious auditory knowledge to all of you. Stay tuned for my first post!