pmaCAST #4: The “Acts To Watch In 2009″ Episode

Click on the turntable on the left to listen to a continuous stream of music featured on Pretty Much Amazing - updated every day. For more, you can check out the Best Songs of 2012.

I have had more fun creating this podcast than any other so far. Just assembling these 14 songs was exciting. I know the little previews we’d had so far of future albums have been great (N.A.S.A., Kid Cudi, Little Boots, etc), and of course, we can’t forget the already fantastic ’09 releases (Bon Iver, Animal Collective) but listening to these songs gives you that little extra ounce of gitty that makes you happy it’s 2009.

I know a “What To Watch Out For in 2009″ list is almost as ubiquitous as a “Best of 2008″ list, but I feel that I should add on to the hype some of these artists are already getting (some more than others), and hopefully you will discover something new here. At the end of the day, that is my main goal anyway. Something about this particular installment to the pmaCAST — I am restricting acts that will make their debut/break-out in 2009. I think I will give the major players enough homepage-time within the upcoming months anyway… but I am working on covering the small guys too! I took your suggestions with much consideration.

I am kicking this prolific (sarcasm) list with an obvious, yet delicious pick: N.A.S.A.’s “Gifted.” Oh, and this isn’t some medium quality radio rip. This is the version you will hear on N.A.S.A.’s album  The Spirit of Apollo on February 17th. And yes, this is supposed to be a World Premiere. Speaking of premieres, the next track is another PMA exclusive. Remember Timid Tiger? Yeah, the German band who covered Britney Spears’ “Womanizer.” Well, they don’t peak there folks, their original material is better yet. “Electric Island” makes its world premiere here and now, and hopefully it sticks. Big things are coming from Timid Tiger and PMA in 2009! Keep a look out.

The Knux remind me of a grittier Cool Kids. The Little Ones are great for fans of Death Cab. Japanese Cartoon may/may not be Lupe Fiasco’s post-rapping music project. Dan Black is just plain awesome — must listen! Kid Cudi is Kanye approved for a reason. VV Brown provides for some foxy rhythmic blues. Here We Go Magic makes beautiful music in the same vein as Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver. Daniel Merriweather’s voice is something the gods created to reward us mortals — and Wale kills it on “Change.”  White Lies is the next big thing and for good reason (much like Vampire Weekend was a year ago). You’ll love Passion Pit if you like Deerhunter or even Department of Eagles. Lastly, the two electro-laydees on this podcast, Little Boots and La Roux are definite highlights of the upcoming musical year. Electro Laydees and Bangers are in this year. You heard it here first.

pmaCAST #4 Tracklisting
N.A.S.A. – Gifted (Kanye West, Santogold, Lykke Li)
Timid Tiger - Electric Island
The Knux -  Cappuccino
The Little Ones – Lovers Who Uncover
Japanese Cartoon – Heirplanes
Dan Black - Yours
Kid Cudi – Day ‘N’ Nite
La Roux – Quicksand
VV Brown – Crying Blood
Here We Go Magic – Tunnelvision
Daniel Merriweather – Change
White Lies – E.S.T.
Little Boots – Meddle
Passion Pit – Sleepyhead

Download pmaCAST #3 – 46MB | Subscribe via iTunes or RSS

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by Luis Tovar on January 18, 2009 ‡ 0 reactions