Crystal Stilts - Shattered Shine

This Brooklyn-based band makes muddy reverb-heavy garage rock. Melodies tend to one or two notes, the singer will remind you of Ian Curtis, and occasionally they throw some retro harmonica or tambourine on top. This is probably my second-favorite debut of the year, after Vampire Weekend. Go New York! So many great bands in the city these days.

MP3 Crystal Stilts - Shattered Shine (from 2008's Crystal Stilts)

Election songs!

For Barack, for our children, for the country, for the world. Congratulations, we did it. An unbelievable night. My daughter and I are going to the inauguration.

MP3 PJ Harvey - Victory (from 1997's Dry)

MP3 The National - Mr. November (from 2005's Alligator)

MP3 Wilco and Fleet Foxes - I Shall be Released (live 2008 cover of Bob Dylan's 1967 classic)

A.C. Newman - There are Maybe Ten or Twelve

Finally! Carl (aka A.C.) Newman of the New Pornographers is about to release his second solo album, the follow-up to 2004's excellent The Slow Wonder. Due January 20, it's called Get Guilty and here's a delightful preview. I really really like it.


MP3 A.C. Newman - There are Maybe Ten or Twelve (from 2009's Get Guilty)

Divorce songs

In light of this week's events in a Trenton courtroom, I present two songs that sum up my feelings.


MP3 Elbow - Grounds for Divorce (from 2008's The Seldom Seen Kid)

MP3 Magnetic Fields - I Don't Believe You (from 2004's I)