Unemployed? Wilco has a treat for you.

Jeff Tweedy and the boys have made more magic with Woody Guthrie material, this time a cover of The Jolly Banker. You can download it from Wilcoworld for a nominal donation to the Woody Guthrie Foundation or for nothing if "you are unemployed or otherwise unable to donate now", though "please keep it in mind for the future when your circumstances improve." Does underemployed count? How about just broke?

In other Wilco news, a new album has been announced! It will be titled Wilco (the Album) and will feature the song Wilco (the Song). Clever or annoying? As long as it's good (and what have they done that isn't?), who cares? Check out Jeff's Colbert Report appearance and the live premiere of the new track...

Passion Pit

Another new song from their upcoming debut LP has my mouth watering. This one isn't as overtly dancey as their previous output, but I'm not sure you could call it a ballad. Whatever it is they're doing, it's working wonders for me. I can't wait to hear the whole album Manners (out 5/19 on Columbia).

Passion Pit - Moth's Wings

Jenny Lewis

I made a late decision to go to see Jenny Lewis at the Belly Up last night. So glad I did! She exudes charm enough to convert even a casual music fan into a rabid enthusiast. She shared the stage with Johnathan Rice (her alleged current beau) and a full band, playing material from both last year's excellent Acid Tongue, and her first non-Rilo Kiley album, Rabbit Fur Coat (featuring the Watson Twins). She did squeeze in one song from RK (a gorgeous solo acoustic version of Silver Lining) and a cover of the Everly Brothers Love Hurts. I was particularly taken with her performances of (the very White Stripesy) Jack Killed Mom, which breaks down into a full-on hootenanny, and a stunning version of Acid Tongue with the band (sans instruments) providing perfectly harmonized back up vocals. The title track to Rabbit Fur Coat had the entire place in utter silent regard, and the encore rendition of Rise Up with Fists!! had the audience doing just that. I wanted to put her in my pocket and take her home (she'd probably fit).

Go see her if you get the chance.

St Vincent

If you haven't heard of her yet, here's a delectable video to serve as your introduction. If you're familiar with her, get ready to hear the best thing she's done yet.

PB&J

Peter Bjorn and John have a new album out. It's called Living Thing and it's everything you could want in an indie pop record... a little geeky, a lot quirky, and insanely catchy. Did I mention dancey?

Here's a vid. No lip synching!



I think I'm gonna have to make myself a mask for when I see them next weekend at Coachella.

Bat for Lashes

Natasha Khan, the chanteuse (and everything else) behind this Brighton, England "band", already has one splendid album under her belt in 2006's Fur and Gold. Her new one is called Two Suns and I've already fallen head over heels for it after just a couple of spins. I'm digging the video for the single too.

Fiona Apple

It's not an original, but it's lovely to hear something new from Fiona. It's been ages since Extraordinary Machine, so let this beautiful cover tide you over while we wait for news of her next LP. Hurry up!

You can find it as part of the Tribute to Cy Coleman EP