A Potpourri Post of Musical Goodness

By Sarah Pesin on 02/03/2009

I'm a hustla baby (I just want you to know), but I don't hustle women, I hustle music. I've finally come to accept that I'm one of those annoying people who pushes music on friends, whether they want to hear it or not.

(left: You will be a fan of Mystery Jets whether you like it or not.)

So I figured, why not spread it to the masses instead of a few (unlucky) friends of mine. Consider this a potpourri post as some of the artists and albums below are new, and some have been out for a while now:

Mystery Jets
Now, this band has been around for several years and have released many albums to boot, but it wasn't until their most recent release, entitled Twenty One, until I took proper notice of them (and even then it took me several months). Nearly a year old, I just can't turn this album off. Quite a departure from their quirkier past, Twenty One is strikingly beautiful and so easy to relate to. Hints of 80's-inspired synths and keyboards pop up throughout the album, along with pinches of their eccentric sound--in order to not alienate their older fans. You can catch Mystery Jets at Bowery Ballroom on February 24th. Do I smell SXSW '09 in their future? I hope so!

Cheeky Cheeky and the Nosebleeds
I truly love this band. They make irresistibly fun pop songs. Their lyrics and hooks are incredibly catchy, both of which will leave you humming immediately after your first listen. While having a Young Knives feel to their vocals, their songs are unique, all while being slightly funny and completely single-ready. Playing this year's SXSW, Cheeky Cheeky and the Nosebleeds are the band to look out for.

The BPA
Otherwise known as The Brighton Port Authority this is the brain child of Norman Cook (i.e. Fatboy Slim). To summarize, The BPA is Norman Cook plus Simon Thornton, Thomas Gandey, Justin Robertson, Ashley Beedle, Lateef, Martha Wainwright, Jamie T, David Byrne, Iggy Pop, Olly Hite, Conan, Pete York, Jack Penate, Emmy The Great, and Dizzee Rascal. Need I say more? Okay, I will. This musical project it something Norman Cook put together to expand on his already vast musical career. Shedding his Fatboy Slim title and throwing caution to the wind, Norman Cook got together the heavyweights of our time to create an album that truly has something for everyone. If you can't find something you like here, you won't be able to find it anywhere.

(above: Norman Cook leads his supergroup, BPA, into battle.)

Lissy Trullie
Usually my hatred for female singers is rampant, I admit it, but when it comes to Lissy, who's been the talk of the town, I trullie love her (see what I did there)? It could be that her vocals are somewhat androgynous, but her songs are heartwarming, even though they're usually about depressing topics. Her cover of Hot Chip's already infectious "Ready for the Floor" is, dare I say it, better and even more fun than the original! You can catch her at Mercury Lounge on February 11th.

The Rifles
This band tortures me. First they decide that it's okay to release albums way too infrequently and then they decide to rarely tour the United States. Hopefully with their new release called Great Escape they'll kill two birds with one stone by touring it over here. I don't understand why The Rifles aren't the biggest band in the world, they're The Jam reincarnated with more upbeat, call to arms, Cribs-style songs. That to me is a formula for success.

New friends, I hope you find the time to digest my recent obsessions. These bands are the crème de la crème of what's out there, believe me, I've checked!