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.