Lists: BBC Sound of 2009 Announced

Blackpool electro-poster Little Boots has been announced today as the BBC Sound of 2009, following in the footsteps of Adele, Mika, and... Corinne Bailey Rae.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7814304.stm

1. Little Boots
2. White Lies (above)
3. Florence and the Machine
4. Empire of the Sun
5. La Roux
6. Lady GaGa
7. VV Brown
8. Kid Cudi
9. Passion Pit
10. Dan Black

Watch her single 'Meddle' from last year to see what the fuss is about:


Alternatively have a look at my own tips for 2009:
http://swearimnotpaul.blogspot.com/2009/01/upcoming-brilliance-sound-of-2009.html

Live: Jamie Lidell at Andrew's Lane Theatre

Great news, Jamie Lidell is back. His 2008 album Jim was one of my favourites of 2008, and definitely the best dance-along record of the year. But you knew that already, you've read my top 60 right?

If not, check here:
http://swearimnotpaul.blogspot.com/2008/12/best-albums-of-2008-countdown-10-01.html

Jamie returns to Ireland in March to play Dublin's Andrew's Lane Theatre. No ticket info yet, but thanks to Lauren for the news.

'Figure Me Out' live in Dublin last year:

Stream: Duncan Sheik - Whisper House

I'm never sure how the "i before e" rule applies to Duncan Sheik's name. It always looks wrong when I type it out. Anyhow if you've heard any of his popular tunes, 'Daylight', 'Barely Breathing' and the like, you'll know what to expect. His last album White Limousine was so-so, but hopefully new album Whisper House will be a return to form.

You can stream it in full here:
http://www.duncansheik.com/

Bizarre: Paste Magazine's Indie Rock Alphabetbook

I don't really know what to make of this, but I thought it was interesting enough to let you guys know about it.

Read more about it here:
http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2009/01/an-indie-rock-alphabet-book.html

Would anyone actually pay for this?

Watch: Bruce Spingsteen - Life Itself

Yet another track from the upcoming Bruce Springsteen album Working on a Dream, here's the official video for 'Life Itself':

Best of 2008: The List of lists

Great work by Rob T making the following website which has coallated a lot of critics' Best Album Lists to make one concise whole. Check it out here:
http://albumoftheyear.org/

You'll never guess what's number 1...

Watch: Bodies of Water - 'Under the Pines'

Great new video from Bodies of Water. It's a small bit lengthy (small and long don't really go together, apart from Dachshunds of course!), but definitely worth the watch.

David and Meredith Metcalf created and wrote the video, which was directed by Andy Bruntel.