Monday, March 10, 2008

Audio Girlfest: Lykke, Duffy, She & Him

And so it begins. Hilary scores a couple more states (Texas - who knew?), and the indie scene sees a dramatic increase in great female-produced albums. The spotlight definitely belongs to some amazing women at the moment. Don't worry boys, you can still pee standing up.


First off is the adorable Lykke Li, who's debut album Youth Novels has me reeling like a child; like I'm on one neverending, completely un-nauseating Space Mountain ride. Her entirely infectious indie pop both uplifts and unsettles. There's the real rollercoaster reference. The downtempo tracks tug at your heartstrings with soft instrumentation and haunting vocals (particularily "Time Flies") and yet, other selections make you want to dance, call your boyfriend, alphabetize your books, have a driving montage, or bury your head in your pillow. It's just such a versatile record. I haven't decided yet if the tracks themselves influence a particular mood, or if they adjust/adapt to meet the feelings of the listener. The fact a record has the power to do either - possibly both - is a rare sign of quality. Everything is coming up Lykke.... Besides she's gorgeous. And Swedish (like me). Plus plus.


Next up is the diva and blonde bombshell Duffy, whose brassy pipes have earned her comparisons to the very successful Amy Winehouse. Let's hope she's more sober. And less crazy. I don't necessarily agree with the direct comparison, as I think Duffy has a distinct sound all her own. Her voice does channel elements of Amy, but mixed with someone like Sia: all the rich, textured Nina Simone-ness of the former, mixed with the slinky, sultry South Australian twang that the latter emanates on tracks like "Breathe Me" and "I Go to Sleep."


Chances are you've already heard one half of the duo She & Him sing. That is if you enjoy Will Ferrell films about elves going to NYC on missions of self discovery, and more importantly, Christmas spirit! I'm talking about the very talented, very beautiful Zooey Deschanel, who sings a wonderful rendition of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" in Elf, and also stars in films such as Almost Famous, Tin Man, and All the Real Girls. This really should be another entry for Pretty People Can Sing, but since her album with partner M. Ward comes out on March 18th, we'll just keep it simple and plug this amazing artist right now. And honestly Zooey's jazzy, other-times folksy vocals say more than I ever could.

She & Him - This is Not a Test [mp3]

She & Him - You Really Got a Hold on Me [mp3]

She & Him - Untitled [mp3]
A rendition of "Swing Low"

Tomorrow: A nostalgic look back at the music of one of my favorite movies: Kill Bill, as well as the best of the very few new television tunes.

Peace, love, and Hilary in Ohio (I'm a huge Obama fan too),

LTK
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