La Primavera!

So, it's officially spring in Montreal (well it has been for the last two days). The weather gnomes decided to be screwy with us though by granting us amazing weather in these past two weeks...and now going back to what we call "normal" Montreal weather i.e. snow, cold, general greyness. I protest and demand sunshine. In order to counteract the glumness, we should listen to happy music! So, I'm taking a break from thesis writing to share some of what I've been listening to lately (been a while since I posted, too):

La Pegatina - Despierto


I found out about this Barcelona music group yesterday on facebook. Despierto is a very happy song. Some of the others are equally as happy. One of my other favorites is Petrolero. So far, I really like their music. You can also download their 2 albums on their site free of charge. Unfortunately, they won't be playing when I visit Barcelona in May :(

Manu Chao - Le P'tit Jardin

This song is from Manu's album Siberie, also available on his site for free download (yay!). This song is incredibly catchy and super cute!
I have generally been in a Manu Chao mood, listening to the albums Esperanza and Clandestino on repeat :)

Jimmy Cliff - Samba Reggae

So, today I was reminded about the existence of the annual Osheaga Music and Arts Festival. When checking out the pretty awesome line up (at least for Saturday, July 31), I noticed Jimmy Cliff is playing. I have heard of him before and some music, but decided to look more into it and so far this is my favorite tune (though most stuff on the best of is really good - if you're into reggae that is :P). It's really summery :) As for Osheaga, I'm seriously considering going as there will be the Arcade Fire, Stars, Gaslight Anthem, Beach house, Jimmy Cliff, Keane, as well as some other artists I don't know too well yet, but seem promising. In addition, more artists always get added as the festival approaches.

The Gorillaz - White Flag (feat. Bashy, Kano and the National Orchestra for Arabic Music)


The Gorillaz came out with a new album called "Plastic Beach". In the past, I have been a fan of some of their songs (I think most people like Clint Eastwood and 19-2000). Their previous album, Demon Dayz didn't sit too well with me (at least on first listening and I didn't really give it another chance). I started listening to Plastic Beach a little while ago and what I really like about it is the mix of sounds/genres. A perfect example is the song White Flag - it opens with arabic orchestral music and then meshes into some rap/hip hop beats, but with electronic noises. I also like how rap sounds w/ a British accent, hah. It's also very dancy. So, this isn't the stuff I typically listen to, but hey, yay variety. I blame Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. But, in all honesty, this album is good stuff.

Kisses - Bermuda


I can only describe this as soft pop, indie, electro dance from the 70s/80s or something. I'm really not sure how to classify. The guys voice is smooth, the music is catchy and easy to listen to. It is off of the album "The heart of the nightlife".

MGMT - Congratulations

MGMT have a new album called Congratulations and I like the title track :) Apart from that, so far, there's not a bunch that I like (maybe it needs to grow on me?). I liked Oracular Spectacular more. This track reminds me a bit of Bowie/Velvet Goldmine soundtrack. I generally like the mood of the song :) Unfortunately, youtube only has a live version. Flash Delerium is the first single, it is oooook.

As an aside, here's a clip of Weezer covering "Kids" by MGMT and "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga

Hot Chip - Sexual Healing

I heard about this covered from Newton about a month ago at a friend's birthday. I generally like the song "Sexual healing" by Marvin Gaye because the lyrics amuse me to no end and well the video is also really cheesy. In anycase, Newton was kind enough to let me listen to the cover on his music player. It's really good :) electronic-ish. These dudes also have an album out - "One life stand" and so far so good.

I've also been listening to some more funkero type stuff that I stumbled upon. There's one particular track by MC Katia - De cabeca pra baixo, that is catchy. Apparently she's classified as funk putaria. I'll take their word for it.

I also found some mixes of different types of music over at "Soundsgood". My fave so far is La Villa Cumbiera Mixtape. What's great is that you can download all the mixes/stuff that is posted :)

Finally, I was in a Massive Attack mood for a while, mostly listening to "Man Next Door" on repeat, a most excellent song :D So chill.



That ends my musical update. According to pitchfork, we should expect new Arcade Fire and M.I.A. this year!