False Alarm - The Wooden Birds

These foolish arms, they don't know that they hold so long,
Or they're heavy cause the feelings gone,
And if they're listening to us at all,
Then they weren't really friends of ours.

When I first heard this song, I thought it sounded familiar. Then I discovered that it was Andrew Kenny's voice I recognized. He's most known as the singer/songwriter behind mellow indie favorites the American Analog Set. I also have the split EP he released in the Home Series (Vol. V) with Ben Gibbard back in 2004.

Andrew Kenny's latest project, The Wooden Birds, is turning out to be a favourite among new and old fans. This track comes of their LP Magnolia, which was released in May 2009.

My Delirium - Ladyhawke

Stop playing with my delirium,
Cause I’m outta my head and outta my self control.

Ladyhawke has been described as a retro pop-rock, catchy, synthy guitarist. She's an original artist who plays all the instruments and does all the programming on her self-titled debut record which was released in September 2008.

Animal - Miike Snow

But I'm still trying to make my mind up,
Am I free or am I tied up?

From the producers of Britney Spears Toxic, comes the single Animal which was released back in February of 2009. The self-titled album consists of melancholy ballads and upbeat dance tracks for those looking for more.

Finish Line - Fanfarlo

I stopped racing years ago,
I stopped listening – I stopped speaking.
The world has kept you on your toes,
Speak to me with your hands.

Fanfarlo is a London based group that created quite a buzz with the release of their debut LP, Reservoir. Reservoir sounds like orchestrated pop with pleasant arrangements and vocals that remind me of the wavering voice of Alec Ounsworth of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. If you have yet to hear of Fanfarlo, I recommend giving them a listen.

If I Were A Tree - Forest City Lovers

If I were a tree I'd shake you off,
Who needs all those dying leaves?
I'd follow my roots to the underground,
Drink wine with all the thieves.

Forest City Lovers!
Reasons for this post:

1. FCL are from Toronto. And a Canadian folk indie pop band.
2. Kat Burns has an effortless, polished voice.
3. The string arrangements.
4. They have a new single out, Phodilus and Tyto.
5. This song is charming, quirky and uses a tree for a metaphor.
6. FCL were featured on Friends in Bellwoods I & II.

1901 - Phoenix

Counting all different ideas drifting away,
Past and present they don't matter.

This is a great song by the French alternative rock band Phoenix. It's off their fourth studio album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix that was released in February 2009. 1901 is a catchy mix of electro-rock and a great upbeat track for the weekend.

My Girls - Animal Collective

I don't mean to seem like I care about material things,
Like a social status, I just want,
Four walls and adobe slats for my girls.

If by chance you have not heard this song, check it out. Released almost a year ago, its the stand-out track off Animal Collective's eighth studio album Merriweather Post Pavilion.

Sunlight - Harlem Shakes

Sunlight, sunlight baby,
We just let go of the night now slowly,
We won't dance, we won't sing, we won't talk,
We just gonna watch how it bends.

I recently acquired Technicolor Health, an album by Brooklyn-based Harlem Shakes. Inventive instrumentation makes for a unique sound mixed with danceable progressive pop.

This ambitious debut LP is all sorts of fun.

Sleepyhead - Run Toto Run

They crowd your bedroom like some thoughts wearing thin,
Against the walls against your rules against your skin.

A noteworthy cover of Passion Pit's Sleepyhead by Run Toto Run.

Edmonton - The Rural Alberta Advantage

And what if I'm only satisfied when I'm at home,
Sitting in a city that'll never let me go.

The Rural Alberta Advantage has a great Canadian sound worth listening to. This up and coming Toronto-based trio re-released their debut album Hometowns, this past summer. The album is a full blend of acoustic rock, energetic rhythms and grand orchestral arrangements. Most songs reflect feelings of homesickness, heartache, and pride. The RAA are currently on tour and played a sold out show at the Grad Club last week in Kingston.

Admit Defeat - Great Bloomers

If i can't find comfort here, I'll leave you and admit defeat.

On this track, Toronto quintet Great Bloomers give us an almost acoustic slow start followed by an energetic end with the same arresting vocals throughout.

Great Bloomers’ full-length debut, is a rollicking mess of saloon piano, cymbal crashes and warmly bubbling guitars wrapped around Sostomi’s sweet, questioning vocals. Though their music has an unbridled sense of playfulness, Great Bloomers’ great strength lies in their ability to gently coax their punchy energy into solid, classic songwriting. - Eye Weekly

Hannah - Freelance Whales

Please grab me a martini and meet me on the balcony,
I've prepared a light show, you could fake a melody,
We could argue over where and when the cymbal hits should be.

Freelance Whales stand have a unique sound created by delicate instrumentation including everything from harmonium, banjo, glockenspiel, synthesizers, guitars, bass, drums and waterphone. They create a full, powerful sound that makes them stand out among your typical indie pop.

This track comes off their full length debut, Weathervanes, released in late August 2009.

You've Got the Love (XX remix) - Florence And The Machine

Sooner or later in life, the things you love you loose.
But you got the love I need to see me through.

An interesting mix from The XX. It strips down Florence and the Machine and adds a softer melodic beat creating something completely different than the original.

When The XX does things like this, I support the hype. Check out their recent debut album xx.

In Steps - Letting Up Despite Great Faults

I'll always try to move with you, I can hardly wait for our second fame.

Ambient electronic fuzz brought to you by Letting Up Despite Great Faults. This one is off their latest self-titled LP.