I.

Beach House seems to know that they way to my heart is through my ear. French born Victoria Legrand has a uniquely beautiful voice and Beach House’s music is simply infectious. This dream pop duo from Maryland has made us all smile with the release of their third album last week (1/26). With the golden touch of producer Chris Coady, Teen Dream is an honest album that emphasizes the depth of the band. Their organic nature resonates through their music. After seeing them live (twice) at the Belly Up in San Diego, most recently opening for Grizzly Bear, you get this feeling that their songs are more than just songs. They’re stories. As Victoria’s wavy hair sways across her face, head tilted towards the keyboard she plays with such purpose, you just know that she really feels what she is singing.

Beach House- Norway

Beach House- 10 Mile Stereo

Teen Dream is just one of those albums you cannot stop listening to and with that, I humbly leave you a couple of songs to wet your palate. I highly encourage you load this one into your iBasket when you make your next pass through the iTunes marketplace. Additional great news - Beach House is playing Coachella 2010 on Saturday!

II.

Retribution Gospel Choir. A band I have become more and more familiar with following their newest release last week (1/26) as well entitled, 2. I had heard about this Minnesota group before, but never really gave them a solid spin on the old ones and twos. I am not typically a huge fan of psychedelic rock, but these guys seem to implement a certain twist on the genre which I especially picked up on in this first song, “Hide it Away”. Their songs go from blazing electric solos to acoustically harmonious ballads.

Retribution Gospel Choir- Hide It Away

Retribution Gospel Choir- Poor Man’s Daughter

I am encouraged by the array of good music that is being released this year already and we here at The Muffin look forward to bringing you all our favorites throughout the year!