ON ROTATION

It is hard to believe that we are at the end of January and I have not offered up any Picks Of The Week this month. It is not for a lack of listening. Honestly, I have just not found a lot of new music to get get me excited so far this year. Fortunately, it appears that the tides are turning. New albums by First Aid Kit, Polica, Foxy Shazam, and Hospitality are great listens to bring in the new year!

First Aid Kit, The Lion's Roar
The Lion's Roar, the sophomore release by sisters Johanna & Klara Söderberg, was the first album to really grab me this year. Hailing from Stockholm, Johanna & Klara, at the ripe old ages of 22 and 19, are making some seriously good americana music. Listening to The Lion's Roar, I was repeatedly taken by the warmth and beauty of the vocal harmonies achieved by them. There is also such an authenticity to what First Aid Kit is doing here musically that I had to keep reminding myself they were from Sweden and not from the heartland of America. They are a great reminder that this wonderful style of music belongs to everyone. The Lion's Roar is a great way to kick off your 2012 musical collection.
                                                        Emmylou  

Polica, Give You The Ghost

Minneapolis based Polica is set to release their debut album, Give You The Ghost on Feb. 14th. An electro-synth, pop album that lives a bit on the dark side, Give You The Ghost is one of the more confident debut albums that I have heard in some time. The album, which is just a pleasure to listen to from a musical standpoint, really shines as a result of its unique aesthetics. The band applies a very cool texturing effect to both lead singer Channey Leaneagh's beautiful vocals, and the music itself. The result gives these songs an unusual combination of warmth and intimacy but also remoteness, making these songs feel a bit other-worldly. Holding the songs together and pushing them along is a tight and driving bass and drum combo that I could sit down and listen to 
                                                       alone all day. All of these elements together make Give You The
                                                       Ghost something worthy of exploring upon its release.
                                                        Lay Your Cards Out   

Foxy Shazam, The Church Of Rock And Roll
Cincinnati based Foxy Shazam may or may not be the most electrifying rock band to inhabit the planet for the past seven years, as they self proclaim. But I agree with them that they have unleashed one grandiose album on the world with The Church Of Rock And Roll. A band that takes a page or two from Queen, Meatloaf, Pat Benatar and handful of other rockers from the late 70's and early 80's who knew how to inject a little glam and theatrics into their music, Foxy Shazam are out to have fun with big, bombastic, and over-the-top music. There is nothing subtle, tempered, or reserved about the band's music, and for this I am very greatful. I totally loved every minute of The 
                                                       Church Of Rock And Roll and you will to. 
                                                       Welcome To The Church Of Rock And Roll  

Hospitality, Hospitality
Hospitality describe their self-titled release as an exploration of Youth, New York, and the bittersweet commingling of past and present. Listening to Hospitality, I appreciated the storytelling. But what I really enjoyed was the way the band wraps their lyrics in music that is light filled and full of pop. But none of these songs would be as successful were it not for the warm, inviting, and at times quirky voice of singer Amber Papini. Papini finds just the right notes to bridge the band's lyrics and music in a wonderful way, giving these songs lots of heart.  
Eighth Avenue