07. Look for me (I’ll be around) (Sarah Vaughan cover) - Neko Case (Blacklisted, 2002) (via)

It was so hard to place the next 3 artists’ vocals in order since I basically love them all equally. But, rank I must, if only on principle that ties are lame. So the first to appear is Neko Case, who has probably the prettiest, lushiest, most syrupy voice on the list that doesn’t belong to Shirley Manson. Her specialty is storytelling, and she spins some pretty epic, hypnotic tales only her voice could caress into form. She’s found great success in her career path separate from The New Pornographers (much to my approval). Her solo work allows her to really dig deep into that vast, depressing landscape of the wounded songstress she so readily owns.

Having many favourite Neko Case vocal performances means it’s tough to pick just one song to showcase her voice. But seeing it’s my list and I’ll do what I want with it, here are a few favourites:

So gosh darn womanly sexy.

etc.

{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.}

Wicked games (The weeknd cover) - Beatrice Martin of Couer de pirate

This song is friggin’ depressing.

More later on The Weeknd’s Thursday, second of his trilogy of albums / mixtapes to come out this year.

The Fox - Niki and the Dove (The Fox, 2011)

We’re not done with our Swede week, yet, apparently, because here we are with another band from the Scandinavian country. The Fox is really quite other-wordly, and I can’t wait for perhaps an EP coming out in June on Subpop! Stockholm represents!

(4ck)

If I had a boat - James Vincent McMorrow (Early in the morning, 2010 in Europe, 2011 North America)

Gave me a serious case of goosebumps. This track is a stunner, and the album from the Irish songwriter is worth a listen for anyone who found Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago remotely haunting.

(Song link via Cause=Time)

Too Old To Die Young - Timber Timbre (Creep on Creepin’ on, 2011)

Terrible title aside, the new album (out April 5th) from Timber Timbre is very, very good. Nine tracks with nary a filler to spare; darkness haunts every note like a midnight mistress. It aches in a way only a soul torn by a few century disasters could. It wouldn’t surprise me if this ends up on the year end list.