Hope There’s Someone by Antony and the Johnsons

Live concert video from Sweden.

English singer Antony Hegarty with his band Antony and the Johnsons, emotes this spine-tingling song, stopping in mid-song due to overwhelming emotions. This sad tune actually makes me happy. It’s off their second album, I Am a Bird Now.

This Baroque pop band released their first album in 2000, and have since released 6 albums (2 of them live) and many EPs. Led by transgendered lead singer Antony Hegarty’s distinct voice, this band is most strong when the music is simple and not overproduced. I’m sure they’d be best heard live, so if they’re in your town, go see them.

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Your Ex-Lover Is Dead by Stars

An interesting video from the perspective of Johnny LaRue‘s crane shot of the band lying on some ice. Somewhat befitting a Canadian band.

Stars continue in the baroque pop style popularized by Arcade Fire with this ditty. This song is off of their 3rd album, Set Yourself on Fire.

This Toronto (now Montreal) band (whom are made up of former Broken Social Scene members) have been nominated for a Juno under best Alternative Album 2 years in a row in 2004-05. They’ve released many albums and EPs, with their latest in 2010.