There's a lot of music at this time of year. While everyone has Merriweather Post Pavillion on heavy rotation, there's also some other good stuff like M. Ward's Hold Time. I hadn't realized I had it on my computer, but I just thought "Wow!" when I heard "For Beginners." He has such a gentle, soft voice. There are actually a lot of good songs on the album, but I haven't given it the thorough listen it definitely deserves just yet.

Speaking of Animal Collective, everyone just loves their new album. I'm not going to say that it's bad or that I didn't like it as much as everyone else did. In fact, I don't really want to say any of that sort because once again, this is another album I haven't listened to carefully. I've been doing a lot of other times, so time hasn't really permitted me to listen to all the new music out. But the one song that I enjoy a lot from MPP is "Summertime Clothes." This is one great song. It's even great to listen to during a cold, winter day. "My Girls" and "Brothersport" are the two other songs I like from the album, but the only problem I have with "Brothersport" is that it sounds a lot like El Guincho's "Kalise."

Another band that is worth the mention is Said The Whale. Their album, Howe Sounds/Taking Abalonia was released last year, but they'll be recording in the studio this February with some new material. Said The Whale is pretty much a band to look out for. Since we're on the subject of artists to watch, I've mentioned Emanuel and the Fear a few months ago. They've signed on with Paper Garden Records and also have an EP coming out on February 17. I think they're in luck, especially since Paper Garden Records have a partnership with Conor Oberst's label, Team Love. They actually have a show tonight at Webster Hall.

This is just a post for the sake of posting, to be honest. But of course, all the bands I spoke of are note-worthy!