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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Too Long Awake by Idlewild

Here’s a fan-made video. Someone spliced together images from the movie German movie Der Himmel über Berlin (Wings of Desire).

Idlewild weave a nice Shoegaze vibe with this song. It’s a bit of a departure from their normal indie-rock style. This is off their 5th studio album, Warnings/Promises.

This Scottish band have released 7th  studio albums hitherto, with their latest in 2009. They’ve just cancelled their US tour due to injury and one can’t help but wonder, whether this is it for the band, considering they’re currently on a writing hiatus.

New Born by The Vitamin String Quartet

Enjoy a re-cut viewing of the original music video.

The Vitamin String Quartet‘s tribute to Muse, is probably the most complementary of their covers. Since Muse already has a classical feeling to their music, the homage is striking. This is off their album, String Quartet Tribute to Muse.

They’ve released probably more than hundred albums (no exaggerating) covering many musical genres from Pop to Alternative to Classic Rock. They’ve covered so many Indie artists, this blog would not be complete without at least a mention.

Decollage by Les Balayeurs du désert

This video is a street performance by a company called Royal de Luxe who do large-scale marionette street shows.

This is an amazing song from the French band Les Balayeurs du désert off their album Jules Verne Impact. They sample the vocals off on an old song by Blossom Dearie called It Amazes Me and mix in all sorts of instruments to create this great tune.

They’ve released 3 albums so far, but it’s very difficult finding out any more about this band. They’ve collaborated several times with the Royal de Luxe providing music for their productions. You can sample 30 second tidbits of their songs on Amazon.com. If you find out anything more about this group, let me know.

Belgium Or Peru by Cuff The Duke

No video for this song, and I’m not sure what the title Mysterious means. Unfortunately the song gets cut about 20 seconds early. Perhaps that’s what it means.

Yes, 2 posts in a row with the word Belgium in the title. What are the odds? Cuff The Duke, a Canadian band from Oshawa meld a nice blend of country and indie rock for this song which is off their self-titled album.

They’ve released 4 albums so far, but unfortunately have seem to shed some of that indie-rock mojo for more country. That means I’m not really interested anymore. Their live songs almost sound like a country bar band covering their own music. Tis a pity.

Always by I Am the Avalanche

No surprise when I found out there is no video for this song. I couldn’t find any videos from this band.

I Am the Avalanche serve out some melodic hardcore with this tune. This is a nice unpolished gem of a song which wouldn’t work if overproduced. Pauses in the right places, and a nice live-vibe, is what make it great.

This band from New York state have released 1 studio album and 2 EPs, and seem to have disappeared after 2007. That is the last entry date on their website.

Luno by Bloc Party

Not the official video for this song, as one doesn’t exist. Instead, a fan just synched the music with an interesting animated movie.

I was on the fence as whether to include anything from this band, but since they’ve never quite made it big here, I decided to post this song. Bloc Party perform this drum and bass driven song with zeal.  It’s from their debut album, Silent Alarm.

This UK quartet have released 3 studio albums, 2 EPs, and 2 remix albums with their latest in 2009. They are currently on hiatus, but will hopefully get back together soon for number 4.  Finger’s crossed.

Dakota by Stereophonics

An chroma key driving video. Well at least it’s a nice red Mustang.

Stereophonics, a Welsh indie-rock band, hit the big time in the UK with this song, and made a small impact on the North America indie charts.

They released 9 albums so far (one live, and one compilation), and should be getting a lot more exposure than they are getting. So what are you waiting for people, pick up a CD today. You’ll seem cool to your friends for listening to a Brit band not big over here.

Cobrastyle by Robyn

It’s a live to tape performance on the Late Show with David Letterman. It’s obviously a live recreation of Goldilocks and the Three Teddybears.

Robyn, who’s a pop sensation in Sweden, does her cover of the Teddybear‘s song, Cobrastyle (which has been used in a few commercials). You can”t help but chair-dance when watching the video in front of your computer. It’s that catchy.

She’s released 5 albums, and 2 EPs, and even done backing vocals for Britney Spears. Her last albums were released in 2010 called Body Talk Pt. 1 & 2, with Body Talk Pt 3 soon to follow. 3 Albums in one year. Booya.

Dude, this isn’t alternative or indie! Well, not directly, but it produced by Klas Frans Åhlund who is a member of the Teddybears and the Caesars. And I like the song. So there!

Glósóli by Sigur Rós

An enchanting video about a group of children (seemingly after the Apocalypse) who wander about the wilderness, and then defy the laws of physics. (Spoiler: I don’t think little Örn makes it.)

Sigur Rós play a dream pop tune that initially sounds like a music box melody  and slowly builds into an electric guitar frenzy.

This was the song that turned me onto to this band, who’ve released 5 studio albums and 3 EPs. Their music is not for everybody, especially considering that all their music is sung in Icelandic and don’t make any sense. Their music has been in used in tons of movies, tv shows and commercials.  The band is currently on hiatus to pursue solo projects.