Kick-Ass Females of 2011

As other blogs have been posting their "Best of" lists for 2011, I've been wondering how to contribute to the music recaps of the year. Instead of a full-fledged list, I thought I would compile some tracks from this year that I've enjoyed featuring female vocals. As a member of the female tribe, I suppose I also feel an urge to represent my singing sisters, and these gals absolutely brought it musically. Whether they wrote and composed or simply added their lovely voices, these songs are the better for it. Let's hear it, ladies.

(In no particular order)

1. Little Dragon-Please Turn 

2. Wye Oak-Civilian

3. Friends-I'm His Girl

4. St. Vincent-Surgeon


5. Purity Ring-Ungirthed

6. Austra-Lose It

7. tUnE-yArDs-Gangsta

8. Kimbra-Cameo Lover


9. Yelle-Comme Un Enfant (Oxford Remix)
Yelle - Comme un enfant (Oxford remix) by Oxfordsounds

10.  The Braids-Lammicken

11. Summer Camp-Better Off Without You

12. Lykke Li-I Follow Rivers

13. Class Actress-Keep You

14. Rihanna-We Found Love (Star Slinger Remix)

15. Twin Sister-Bad Street

16. Polica-Wandering Star
Wandering Star by POLIÇA

17. Cults-You Know What I Mean

18. Laura Marling-Sophia

19. Mr. Little Jeans-Rescue Song (RAC Remix)

20. Alright...this is a guilty pleasure. Artistic value? Not much. Deciding factor for inclusion in this post? "I got the swag and it's pumping out my ovaries". Enjoy (or not).
Kreayshawn-Gucci Gucci

Austra

It takes a delicate balance of concentration and ignorance to sit down and actively listen to music, especially when you're expanding your repertoire and looking for some new tunes. It's a fight of wanting to dissect and analyze while letting it take over the brain reigns at the same time. Hopefully, every so often you'll come across something that makes the time and effort worth it. Coming across Austra has currently made up for this whole last week of sifting through crappy tracks. The Toronto-based band released their debut album in May of this year "Feel It Break". It's an electronic and vocally driven project, harmony and synth-heavy. Katie Stelmanis heads the vocals with a heroic tone (the girl could lead an army with her voice). Check out the video for "Lose It" below, along with "The Beat And The Pulse, both from Feel It Break.



Austra-The Beat And The Pulse

Finals Mix

Early December is about the time I start wishing I went to Hogwarts (yes, still). If you're taking part in the university system, then chances are the cruel, cruel event that is finals week is upon you. Here are some tunes on the mellow, minimalist, and instrumental sides to make the studying just a little bit easier.

1. Four Tet-Sing
2. Damien Jurado-Nothing Is The News
3. Röyksopp-Eple
4. MOTHS-blisters
5. MOTHS-Summer
6. Volcano Choir-Island, IS
7. Yppah-I'll Hit The Breaks
8. Toro Y Moi-Talamak
9. Andrew Bird-Hot Math
10. Explosions In The Sky-Human Qualities

Video: Yelle-Comme Un Enfant

French electro-pop princess, Yelle, released her video for "Comme Un Enfant" out into the wild yesterday. What do you know-she's doing choreography with funky costumes in a studio setting...again. I was really hoping to see something different from her, but it seems to be what she does best. Maybe I just miss the "Ce Jeu" french fry glasses...
Nevertheless, here's "Comme Un Enfant"