What's Spinning Now (May Edition - Part 2)

This Month (in alphabetical order)

Ane Brun - Changing Of The Seasons

Ane is a Norwegian singer-songwriter and this is the second album I've picked up. Her debut Spending Time With Morgan contains the phenomenal Humming One Of Your Songs but didn't really catch my attention beyond that. Her latest album (released 2008) seems much stronger. Separately from the album, I also found her cover of the old Alphaville song Big In Japan - great version! She also covered the Cyndi Lauper hit True Colors for a European commercial - I just got it and am listening to it right not for the first time. Sounds good.

Anni Rossi - Rockwell

Anni Rossi plays the viola and her singing reminds me of Regina Spektor. She's from Minnesota and this is her debut album - I like it so far.

Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career

Somehow I'd missed this Glasgow-based band even though they've been around for over a decade. Nice lead vocals from Tracyanne Campbell and a couple of Swedish connections on this album: Jari Haapalainen produced the album and Björn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn and John provided the string and horn arrangements.

Cymbals Eat Guitars - Why There Are Mountains

Out of New York and at times lo-fi and a bit noisy indie rock - think Conor Oberst - but enough solid melodies to hold it together. Too early to tell how much I like it.

Doves - Kingdom Of Rust

Another indie rock band - this one from England. This trio has known each other and been making music since the mid-80s, but did not form Doves until 1998. I wasn't familiar with them until very recently. The immediate standout is the title track and I also like Birds Flew Backwards so far.

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

Again, anyone want to try pronouncing this album name? I dare you! As I mentioned yesterday, this is the secong Grizzly Bear album I've picked up in short order, and this one is my favorite. If you like their previous work this should not disappoint.

Hanne Hukkelberg - Blood From A Stone

Another Norwegian singer-songwriter and one of my favorite finds of last year: her previous two efforts Little Things and Rykestrasse stayed in heavy rotation for a good six months. Not sure yet if this album is on the same level.

Ida Maria - Fortress Round My Heart

One more Norwegian female - although, this one is more of a rock/post-punk act. The album opens with the brilliant Oh My God and stays strong throughout. This may be a contender for my top 10 of the year. And, how could you not like a track with the name I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked?

Röyksopp - Junior

Ok, this is the last Norwegian act, I promise! For those of you who aren't Scandinavian, the band name is Norwegian for puffball mushroom. I've been familiar with this electronic duo for some time, but never listened to them because, well, they are an electronic duo. But, I read some good things about the new album, and that Karin Dreijer (of The Knife and Fever Ray), Lykke Li, and Robyn (all female Swedish singers) provided guest vocals, so I checked it out, and I love it. Perhaps another top 10 for the year. Favorite track so far: The Girl And The Robot.

St. Vincent - Actor

Annie Clark used to be part of Sufjan Stevens' touring band, and now she performs under the moniker St. Vincent. That, and a good Pitchfork review, was all I needed to know. I only got this a few days ago, but so far I really like the opening track The Stranger.

Telepathe - Dance Mother

Can something be simultaneously hypnotic and happy? Well, apparently, Telepathe can. Again, not really in my wheelhouse - electronic, dance...but I really like it. Favorite tracks: So Fine, In Your Line, and Lights Go Down.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!

This is a bit more poppy than I normally like, but it's hard to argue with the catchy Zero. It seems like everyone was talking about this album about a month ago and after I saw their SNL appearance I gave them a shot. Several good songs, but probably not quite my cup of tea.