JJ no.3 actually came out last month, while winter was still lingering here in Boston. But as the sun re-emerges and the air warms with the promise of spring, I find myself listening to the Swedish duo’s third album more or less constantly—right now, their tropical-tinged, sample-inflected hazy pop songs just sound perfectly uplifting.
On “Let Go,” Elin Kastlander’s voice is as gentle as an ocean breeze and as gritty as sand—striking a perfect balance between sweetness and salty melancholy. When she sings, “Let go / let your skin show / that you’ve been in the sun today / let’s go / let your mind blow / all your sorrows away,” I’m ready to start making plans for my next beach vacation.
Download JJ’s “Let Go” on MP3 (sunscreen not included).
Fever Ray – Fever Ray. The Knife’s Karin Dreijer Andersson harnesses dualities— organic/artificial, animal/human, male/female, adulthood/childhood—to create a fascinating and cohesive whole. I haven’t been able to stop listening ever since I first heard “If I Had a Heart” back in January. This is music constantly revealing itself, forcing you to look deeper.
Sin Fang Bous – Clangour. The cover of this LP shows the song titles cobbled together from twigs, branches, paper, and bits of metal—a fitting metaphor for the layered and vibrant sound of Icelandic musician and artist Sindri Már Sigfússon. Meticulously crafted (but never twee) songs like “Carry Me up to Smell Pine” and “Clangour and Flutes” lead you along a forest path of unexpected twists and turns.
Other highlights (in no particular order): The XX – XX, Patrick Watson – Wooden Arms, Telepathe – Dance Mother, A Sunny Day in Glasgow – Ashes Grammar, JJ – JJ No. 2, Moderat - Moderat, Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions – Through the Devil Softly, Animal Collective – Merriwether Post Pavilion, Asobi Seksu – Rewolf
Favorite EP
Maybe it’s the predominance of song-by-song digital downloading—or maybe our attention spans are just getting shorter—but it seemed like there were almost as many EPs as full albums this year. Break out the long-players, guys!
Glasser – Apply. An irresistibly energetic blend of tribal percussion and soaring female vocals, combined with some awesome remixes (especially the John Talabot version of “Learn”), make this the perfect soundtrack for both a brisk run on the treadmill and a peaceful walk in the sunshine.
