Starting from now I have decided to blog every Monday with my top five favourite/most-played releases of the previous week, to give y’all an idea of what has been rockin’ my world and what you should be listening to. Kinda. These aren’t new releases (although, one or two may be, at some point), just releases that have been getting a lot of listens.

This week has been a great week as I feel as if I have discovered a lot of really cool bands that I hadn’t got round to hearing before, as well as rediscovered some old, forgotten gems. Lovely. Here are my five favourite releases, in no particular order:

1. WASHED OUT // High Times

Washed Out are easily my favourite artist of the week, High Times absolutely blowing my mind. Think all of the catchiness and loveliness of 80s synthpop mixed with the laid-back atmosphere found in ambient electronic music, except recorded in a lo-fi fashion, giving it that underground/bedroom fuzziness. I can’t stop listening. Washed Out are also great to napping to, if you’re into that.

Listen to “Belong”

2. JAPANDROIDS // Post-Nothing

I’ve known about Japandroids for a while now and have listened to them quite a bit, but, for some reason, it’s taken me until now to fully get into them, Post-Nothing being the release of theirs that has achieved this. I’ve been pretty into noise rock recently as well, so I was definitely in the right mood for Post-Nothing when giving it an extensive listen. If you’re into your upbeat and noisy garage rock with catchy lyrics, give Japandroids a listen.

Listen to “Young Hearts Spark Fire”

3. STUDIO // West Coast

I’ve owned West Coast for a long time and keep seeing it pop up in my iTunes library, yet I’ve been far too lazy to sit down and give it a good listen. Typical me. I can’t even remember where I first heard about it, but I have a feeling that Yannis from Foals was saying something positive about it, so that was enough for me to go and check it out. I’m so glad I had time to listen to it this week, as it’s rapidly becoming a favourite release of mine, out of everything I’ve ever heard. Studio describe themselves as “an afrobeat-dub-disco-indie-pop adventure”, which is as near to a valid description as you’ll ever get. Basically, think a more progressive The Cure if they wrote 16+ minute dub and electronic inspired masterpieces, with occasional world music influences popping up from time to time. Too good.

Listen to “West Side”

4. GEOFF FARINA // Usonian Dream Sequence

Like Studio, I can’t remember where I came across Geoff Farina, but I’m glad I did, and like Washed Out, I’ve been using Mr. Farina to nap to, which has been lovely. Usonian Dream Sequence is a great album, full of sad-yet-beautiful lo-fi acoustic songs with a breathtaking slowcore feel. Unfortunately, Youtube sucks and I can’t find an example song, so you’re just going to have to go and buy the album and discover him for yourselves.

5. BEAR IN HEAVEN // Beast Rest Forth Mouth

Technically, Beast Rest Forth Mouth has been a favourite release of mine for many weeks, but it still continues to be this week, so it counts and is able to be included in this list. Think somewhat noisy experimental/arty indie rock with an electronic cherry on top, although, like most good bands should, Bear In Heaven’s style is very difficult to pinpoint exactly. The more I listen, the more influences I hear. Despite discovering it’s full brilliance right at the end of 2009, Beast Rest Forth Mouth is easily one of my favourite 2009 releases, definitely very underrated. I encourage you all to get your hands on it. Magical.

Listen to “You Do You”