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Live Local Music

Embracing a Musically Eclectic 2011

Posted by Alexandra Voigt on 01/31 at 11:03 AM

The year 2010 is already history, (and hopefully so are any other Justin Biebers and Miley Cyruses out there in the world), but that’s no excuse for a break from new, artistic talents and experimental, innovative albums. The following artists are certainly no strangers to the music scene and presumably not to your ears either. Their latest and upcoming projects will have you craving and raving for more.

Cut Copy: Zonoscope – release date: Feb. 8 (already available on iTunes)

This synthpop, four-man group is releasing their third album, Zonoscope, in less than two weeks. Originally from Australia, the members of Cut Copy didn’t tour the U.S. until 2005. They’ve already grown a wide fan-base among techno/electro ragers. With catchy songs like “Lights and Music” and “Hearts on Fire,” the band has landed a spot at the world-renowned electronic Ultra Music Festival with techno/trance God, DJ Tiesto.

Check out their website where you can download a free remixed version of “Take Me Over” by Thee Loving Hand.

Cake: Showroom of Compassion – released Jan. 11

Honestly, who isn’t curious to see what this funky ‘90s alternative band has produced for their sixth album? It instantly hit #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 upon its release. Seven years since their last album, Pressure Chief, Cake has essentially made its comeback. So immerse yourself in Cake’s new layers of piano and reverb (which singer John McCrea claimed he would never use), like from the attractive track, “Sick of You.”

MIA: VickiLeekx mixed tape – released New Year’s Eve, (free download on website)

First off, I’d like to say how awesome it is to be granted an entire album download for free, especially by this infamous hip hop, avant-garde pop-rock star. I first started listening to MIA during my freshman year of high school when I fell in love with the robotic song “Sunshowers.” It is unfortunate that most people only recognize her for “Paper Planes.” Her musical talents far surpass that hit. Yet, this fresh mixed tape ties her characteristic industrial electro beats and crazy “construction-site” sound effects with her comical British humor. Download it here.

Broken Bells: Broken Bells (March 2010) – no new album in the works; the single, “Vaporize” was released in January

It’s true that this alternative/indie-rock duo does not have an album set for 2011. But I strongly feel that we should continue to listen to Broken Bells through 2011. Musician/producer, Brian Burton, and The Shins’ lead vocalist, James Mercer, created an outstanding, melodic and uplifting album together. Mercer’s distinguished voice is easily recognizable from his past years spent with The Shins. This latest project, however, seems akin to a second personality. Burton (aka Danger Mouse) has produced albums for Cee-Lo Green and rapper Jay-Z and is currently producing U2’s next album. Every song on Broken Bells is fluidly experimental with various brass and string instruments and appealing, harmonious lyrics. Check it out for yourself with “The High Road” or “The Ghost Inside.” Now we are left anticipating more.

Fiona Apple: title still unknown – scheduled to be released Spring 2011

The mystery musician, Miss Fiona Apple, has been called a musical phenomenon and prodigy. “Criminal,” one of her most widely known songs off her first album, Tidal, won a Grammy award in 1996. But it is her powerfully intimate songs like: “Shadowboxer,” “Sleep to Dream,” and “Parting Gift” that project her fierce and passionate lyrics. After her spectacular 2005 studio release, Extraordinary Machine, she basically fell off the map.

Fiona’s fans are as dedicated and crazy in love with her as teenage girls howling for The Beatles, The Animals, and The Rolling Stones during the British Invasion. Since the beginning of 2010, there have been ongoing rumors for a release of a fourth LP. Finally it is safe to say that Fiona Apple’s next album will be released during the Spring of 2011. And it will be brilliant.

For those who wish to here something new by Fiona right now, here is a track produced by her partner, Jon Brion: “So Sleepy.” The song comes from the benefit album, Chickens in Love, written by kids at a creative writing non-profit called 826LA.