Click here to listen to BNW #116

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I'm not sure where to begin describing this compilation of January/February new releases, it's such an eclectic mix of familiar voices and interesting new projects. It reflects what I'm craving these days - comfort food and challenges at the same time. I spent much of January and February cozy at home, but I got plenty of motivation on my five day trip to the Sundance Film Festival. I saw several inspiring films, including Doug Pray's "Art & Copy" documentary on the art of advertising, produced by The One Club. It's good to be reminded of what's inspiring about our business.

So, back to music, releases by Robyn Hitchcock, M Ward, Antony & The Johnsons, Franz Ferdinand, Andrew Bird, and The Killers speak for themselves. Brighton Port Authority is the new project from Fatboy Slim, aka Norman Cook. (Whoever remembers the Housemartins, raise your hand.) He's got guest stars galore and the record is a whole big ball of fun, the best party mix of the year so far.

Some of the other featured artists this month are more recognizable by their previous projects, so here's a primer:
- Dan Auerbach: One-half of The Black Keys
- Lisa Hannigan: Damien Rice's vocal partner on his first two albums
- Death Of The Neighborhood: Brit Stephen Jones from Baby Bird (import only!)

One last note, I rarely find hip-hop that I like enough to include here, but the new album from Zion I easily makes the cut. This Bay Area group follows the mold of De La Soul, Blackalicious, and dare I say, Kanye West. Hip hop that is soulful without being too pop, and not a single song about gangs or "ho"s.

Click to listen to BNW #112

Eleni Mandell / Little Foot / Artificial Fire

Little Joy / Little Joy
Dr. Dog / Fate
Matthew Sweet / Sunshine Lies
Conor Oberst / Conor Oberst
Patrick & Eugene / Everything & Everyone
Snow Patrol / A Hundred Million Suns
Lucinda Williams / Little Honey
Eagles Of Death Metal / Heart On
Los Campesinos! We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed
The Accidental There Were Wolves

Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas are a few good records. Y'know, the kind you can play over and over and still like. An album that a band spent a lot of time putting together, with a cohesive batch of songs. An artist that thought about production (even if they pretended they didn't) and the concept, and the artwork. The kind that might actually end up on a top ten list at the end of the year. That's not too much to ask, is it? I hear these might fit the bill:

- Little Joy "Little Joy" - The drummer from the Strokes makes a 'for fun' side project with an LA singer and a Brazilian guitar player. They name it after the Echo Park bar they hang out in. How could that be bad?
- Conor Oberst "Conor Oberst" - Bright Eyes genius finally names a record after himself. Gotta be good.
- Snow Patrol "A Hundred Million Suns" - I could listen to his voice for a hundred million years. And the guy can write a song.
- Matthew Sweet "Sunshine Lies" - Finally a return to his 'Girlfriend' rocker days!
- Lucinda Williams "Little Honey" - She hasn't disappointed yet. Elvis Costello makes an appearance.
- Eagles Of Death Metal "Heart On" - Another side project, this time Queens Of The Stone Age singer Josh Homme picks up the drumsticks and hands over vocal duties to his childhood pal. Could be better than QOTSA.
- Los Campesinos "We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed" - An unlikely second album 11 months after their last with a brilliant dark twist.

So Santa, just pop those into your red sack and toss them down the chimney as Rudolph does a flyover. That'll make my Christmas sweet! And give that guy moving into the White House whatever he wants too, he's got his work cut out for him.

signed,
hopeful music lover