Kevin's Recs: Pirate Metal, Catchy Choruses and Other Delights

By: Kevin Rutherford, Editorial Director

1. "Newlands" - Justice

Justice - Newlands by FranklinP

It's tough to choose a favorite track off what might be the best electronic record of 2011, but this song is certainly a candidate. "Newlands" not only showcases Justice's growing predilection toward guitars, but also lets us know that they've become quite good at the instrument, too. Cap it off with an earworm of a chorus, and you have a song that will be played at dance parties well into the new year.

2. "Untitled" - Pearl and the Beard



These always-the-object-of-my-affection Brooklynites have a new song. Don't miss if you're a fan of cello, glasses, stupendous beards, or purely spectacular vocal performances. While the trio consists of three of the funniest individuals I've ever had the pleasure of interviewing, it also consists of three of the most passionate musicians I've met.

See them live.

Immediately.

3. "The Soft Voices Die" - Apparat



Talk about your unfair first impressions. When I first heard a few songs from German musician Apparat's new record The Devil's Walk, I was unmoved. I revisited the album for the purpose of reviewing it and was floored. The way Apparat can weave strings, piano, synths and his somber voice together into a patchwork of atmospheric songs is breathtaking. One of the best records of 2011.

4. "Get it Daddy" - Sleeper Agent



Say hello to the newest female-fronted indie rock darlings. Apparently, they don't like pinatas.

5. "Die" - Girls



Some were turned off by this cut from Girls' mesmerizing new record, Father, Son, Holy Ghost. I, on the other hand, dig it immensely. Sure, it's a step to the side of most of the band's other material, which would normally be something to criticize. But when your riffs are this delicious, it's hard to complain.

6. "Michael Jackson" - Das Racist



"I'm fucking great at rapppppiiiing!"

It doesn't matter how much you may think you hate this song right now. The refrain of "Michael Jackson! One million dollars!" will be stuck in your head for hours.

You feel me?

7. "Island in the Sun" - Weezer



RIP, Mikey Welsh.

8. "It's So Cold in the D" - T-Baby



The pride of Detroit.

9. "Homeward, These Shoes" - Iron & Wine



Sometimes you listen to a song and think, "This is way too long." Sometimes you think the exact opposite.

"Homeward, These Shoes" exemplifies the latter.

10. "Captain Morgan's Revenge" - Alestorm



What's that? You weren't aware 'pirate metal' existed? Prepare to be enlightened.