13. Single Again - The Fiery Furnaces (EP, 2005)

Of all the female vocalists I love, Eleanore of The Fiery Furnaces is most unique in her ability to rely on neither sex appeal nor vulnerability. Her voice is cool, defiant, and almost detached in telling outrageous stories about her various unreal adventures. It puts a smile to my face when I listen to her sing, as I recognize her brand of mischief like one would a kindred.

My inner child has voice, and her name is Eleanore Friedberger.

{My 50 ALL-TIME FAVOURITE FEMALE VOCALISTS list continues (tagged Female Vocalists)! The criteria are simple: they are female of the species, I love their voice, and they have attempted to sing in English at one point in their career. The present list is focused mostly on the quality/uniqueness of their tone (voice box), and their ability to emote the hell out of the songs.}

(Source: myvynlpyl)

Infinity Guitars - Sleigh Bells

Peeps, behold the first serious contender for the top album of the year spot, Sleigh Bells’ Treats (released May 11 but can be heard streamed on NPR). They are going to walk away with the Breakthrough Artist of the Year Cake, if people who make cakes care about experimental/noise pop. They should. They should shake and  bake to the sound of Sleigh Bells’. Everything should shake to the sound of Sleigh Bells, including trees. Human trees.

If you know what I mean.

Worst Bastard - Micachu & The Shapes

Fans of The Fiery Furnaces and experimental pop rejoice: Micachu is here to make it all better. This tune is off her debut album, Jewellery, my iPod’s current BFF. Be warned: she does not go down easy on everyone, but once you let her in, she’ll stick to you like some dead animal glue.