A Baker's Dozen : Volume 12

Long before the muxtape, there was "A Baker's Dozen". And it's back. Volume 12. Enjoy.

01 - Lykke Li - "Dance Dance Dance". "When I'm shaking my hips, look for the swing, the words are written in the air...". My #2 favorite song of the past month (with #3 here and #1 coming up).

02 - Florence & The Machine - "Kiss With A Fist". Well, I can't say I recommend the sentiments of this one, but not taken literally it's a great jam. This tune does a great job of doing what a TV critic told a dance contestant last night ("you need to get into the floor more!"; amen).

03 - Absentee - "Bitchstealer". The mighty Absentee are back with the deep gravel baritone firmly in place. If you're a fan, you'll dig this one.

04 - People of Water - "Vale of Aching Hearts". The first of two instrumentals this time out. This one sounds like an outtake from The Cure during the "Pornography" era. Huge.

05 - The Rosie Taylor Project - "Black And White Films". I've referenced this tune before and so here it is. These guys (and gal; see above!) bring the melodic mellowness that I love.

06 - Ema & The Ghosts - "Ermine & Mink". One of many tunes (including The Weather Underground and The Sweet Hurt) that I've nicked from Rock Insider lately (hey, she brought me Ferraby Lionheart so I'm forever in her debt). It drifts and drifts and I'm in its wake.

07 - Underwater Getdown - "Hey". I know absolutely nothing about this band other than this tune somehow finds my skull first thing in the morning. Catchy.

08 - Organic Stereo - "Brightness". The 2nd of the 2 instrumental tunes in this set. The "glitchy electronica" thing is somewhat overdone, but this one hits.

09 - Kleerup - "Until We Bleed" (with Lykke Li). How much do we love this girl?!?!? I know!

10 - Taken By Trees - "Only Yesterday". And yet another great Swede. Soothing and impeccably cool.

11 - The Weather Underground - "How Many Operations". Interesting name choice here. Normally this style doesn't grab me, but the energy on this tune is undeniable.

12 - The Sweet Hurt - "Where Would You Go". So, going soft again. It may sound harmless, but at least it's melodic to the core, which I dig.

13 - Gemma Hayes - "At Constant Speed". This one took me a bit but I love it now. Ever watch "So You Think You Can Dance?" (if there answer is "no", change your ways now). I could see this song on there. Gorgeous.