Listen Up!

Hey kids, do you like music? If so, have I got a treat for you!

Three treats, actually, so don't go spoiling your supper.

Here are three musical acts you should check out:

1) LYKKE LI is kind of a big deal right now, but when I mention her, most people still haven’t heard of her. (I’ve been into her months, but then, I AM a trendsetter.) So if you haven’t yet, catch up! She’s a little Swedish tart with a pretty original sound: most of her songs are sort of sassy and downbeat at the same time, but certainly not a downer.

For the emo crybaby in you, I highly recommend the beautiful “Tonight.” If you want something a little more upbeat, “I’m Good, I’m Gone” (and the slightly dancier Black Kids remix of same) is tough to beat. The lesser-known “Breaking It Up” is right up there too.

2) For those of you who are too cool for school and have known about Lykke Li for ages, well, you probably have heard of anyone else I’d suggest too. So for the rest of you, check out the UK export THE FRIENDLY FIRES. I saw them open for Lykke Li – if you ever get a chance to see them live, definitely do it, because after seeing them perform you’ll never hear their music the same way again. The lead singer has stage presence to spare.

The self-titled album is comparatively tame, but quite good. A couple singles are only just getting airplay on indie stations, so jump on the bandwagon now. I honestly have a hard time recommending a single single, since they’re all equally terrific. There’s not a misstep on the album. Honestly. But if I have to choose: “Ex Lover.” And “On Board.” Oh, and “Photobooth.” And, uh…all the others. Seriously, just get the album.

3) And now, for something completely different! Well, kind of different. PENDULUM! This is more aggressive, more electronic music that may remind of the Prodigy or the Crystal Method, except more verse-chorus/vocal-centric. It provided the perfect high-energy soundtrack for when I was dressing for Halloween – it’s got that fun, dark, kinda spooky sound.

Again, the whole album is good, because I don’t endorse one-hit wonders, but I recommend “The Other Side” and “Propane Nightmares” to get you started on your journey down the tunnel of Pendulum love.

I don’t get super excited about too many new artists, but these three are well worth checking out. So go do. And let me know what you think!