[MP3s] You Ain’t No Picasso’s favorite songs of February 2010
February 22nd, 2010 by Matt
February wasn’t quite as impressive as January when it came to new songs, but it was still a memorable month. So kick back, get to downloading (buy Local Natives’ and Yeasayer’s new albums) and enjoy some of the songs that made February enjoyable.
Why you should care: because she could very well be the next Neko Case.
When it’ll impact your life: it’s already out. I was a little bit behind on this one, fellas, but don’t let that deter you from falling in love.
MP3: Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings – I Learned the Hard Way
Why you should care: because Sharon Jones is just about the last link our generation has to the soulful funk of the 1960s. Respect the gift we’ve been given lest it be taken away.
When it’ll impact your life: new SJ&tDK album is out April 6. Plenty of time for you to practice your dance moves.
MP3: The Morning Benders – Excuses
Why you should care: because Big Echo is clearly going to be one of the best records of the year. The first two tracks I’ve shared have been monsters and the rest of the album is fantastic.
When it’ll impact your life: Big Echo is out March 9. Just in time for SXSW!
MP3: Emily Reo – Metal on Your Skin
Why you should care: She’s a refreshing breath of fresh air that sounds like how Beach House used to sound.
When it’ll impact your life: Right now. You can pick it up here.
Read the rest of the list after the jump
Why you should care: Because it’s super cool indie pop that sounds like a new take on your old favorites.
When it’ll impact your life: It’s out on Orange Twin as we speak.
MP3: Kite Flying Society – Coney Island
Why you should care: Because these old school YANP favorites finally got their sophomore record off the ground and it sounds great! Pick this up and jam it all spring long.
When it’ll impact your life: It just came out. Buy it now and get a free copy of their remastered debut album.
MP3: Malachai – Snowflake
Why you should care: Because this song is a complete and total jam that’s pulled from an album of wacky sounds and craziness.
When it’ll impact your life: Just came out this month. Go! Go! Go!
MP3: Givers – Up, Up, Up
Why you should care: Because if we’re being honest with ourselves, we were all let down by Contra and need something to fill that Vampire Weekend pop-shaped hole in our hearts. “Up, Up, Up” does a nice job doing just that.
When it’ll impact your life: Whenever you want. It’s already on shelves.
MP3: The Happy Hollows – Under the Milky Way (The Church cover)
Why you should care: Because it’s one of my (our?) favorite new bands covering an old classic and it sounds great!
When it’ll impact your life: Seeing as how it’s a standalone MP3 with no physical release in sight… I guess as soon as you hit “download.”
MP3: Cymbals Eat Guitars – Ballad of Big Nothing (Elliott Smith)
Why you should care: Because Elliott Smith fans are a very protective bunch and when I posted this, the response was overwhelmingly positive. It’s a great cover done by one of the best young bands in America.
When it’ll impact your life: This is the b-side to a single set to be released March 1. Hear it now, grab it then.
Why you should care: Unlike most of the other songs on this list, “Art Czars” has teeth and still maintains a great melody.
When it’ll impact your life: This comes from a limited edition 7″ that you can preorder now, but won’t ship until April.
MP3: The Light Footwork – Rock Island Arsenal
Why you should care: Because (as with the Kite Flying Society) it’s an old YANP favorite getting back into the flow of things with a nice sophomore record. Plus they’ve diversified their sound a little bit; “Rock Island Arsenal” sounds a bit like the Fiery Furnaces.
When it’ll impact your life: Tomorrow
MP3: Wild Moccasins – Fruit Tea
Why you should care: Because they’re a more fun/poppy version of Ponytail.
When it’ll impact your life: Pretty sure this one’s already out.
MP3: Vampire Weekend – Ruby Soho (Rancid)
Why you should care: Vampire Weekend slightly redeemed themselves with this fun cover of Rancid’s “Ruby Soho.”
When it’ll impact your life: All signs point to this being a one-time-only cover they did on the radio.
MP3: Major Lazer – Halo (Beyonce)
Why you should care: Dude, it’s the Diplo-led Major Lazer covering Beyonce’s “Halo.” It’s a crazy gift I never dreamed we’d get.
When it’ll impact your life: Doubt this is getting a physical release, so just be thankful we’ve got the cover at all.
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Jeff // Feb 22, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Really loving that Morning Benders track. Gorgeous stuff.
Alex // Feb 23, 2010 at 9:29 pm
great list, imho Cynicism is the best song on that Nana Grizol Record and personally I would add Airplanes by Local Natives but then I would have missed a bunch of rad stuff you did post.
Matt // Feb 24, 2010 at 2:17 am
Alex: I debated putting on bands whose albums came out in Feb, but decided against it. I kept it to just songs I posted on YANP for the first time in Feb. So for that reason there’s no Local Natives on the list. I’ve been writing about them for over a year now! Glad to know you’re enjoying the record, though!