the women in my (musical) life

So it occurred to me that I have been listening to an unusual volume of female artists recently. I've always had a special place in my heart for Joanna Newsom, but after that my musical world is very male dominated. So I thought I would post a few of the songs/albums I've been loving recently that are fronted by those who are lacking the Y chromosome.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - My obsession with their new album It's Blitz is very recent (it only came out last Tuesday) but uprecedented (I listened to it all the way through about 12 times in three days - no joke). I wouldn't say it's a "great" album in the grand scheme of things, but oh man is it so good and catchy. The dance punk is still sort of there, but less raw and more grown-up than their last two albums, and they have a couple ballads that put "Maps" to shame.

Must hear tracks: I love "Dull Life" for a rocker and "Skeletons" for a ballad.

Alela Diane - She's Joanna Newsom's best friend from high school or something, but she's more accessible than her yelpy compadre. Nothing groundbreaking, but just really good folk music that makes me want to live in a log cabin in the woods (but not Bon Iver's log cabin - this one is warmer and less depressing and not in Wisconsin).

Must hear tracks: "White as Diamonds" and "Lady Divine"

Lisa Hannigan - She is the girl that sings with Damien Rice, so if you like him then you'll definitely like this. On the other hand if you are like me and think Damien Rice is an arrogant douchebag, then you will be skeptical for good reason. But there's no Damien here which means no unnecessary melodrama and profanity for profanity's sake lyrics sung by a drunk Irish guy. She has a beatiful voice and this one song "Lille" is just amazing. (I hope my wife doesn't read this - she looooooves Damien Rice.)

Must hear track: See above.

Crystal Castles - I'm not usually an electronic music guy, but this stuff is just ridiculous. I listened to it almost exclusively for a few weeks straight, and it still is in the regular rotation after about 4 months which is a long time for me. It's so musical, it's not just beats and noise. And I've heard they are insane live. I just picture a Girl Talk concert but with more leather and acid - and it's not like a GT concert is lacking in either of those.

Must hear tracks: I have a new favorite every week but "Untrust Us" and "Air War" seem to get the most play overall.

Marnie Stern - Her album title is really pretentious (just look it up, I'm not typing it out), but it has some solid songs. First of all, she can shred a guitar like few others. Her riffs and the psycho drumming give it an awesome spazzed out rock sound. I'll admit it's not always accessible, but I like it a lot and that makes me cooler because I get it.

Must hear tracks: "The Crippled Jazzer" and "The Package Is Wrapped"

women