A little late, but I’ve been busy having a lovely weekend instead.

The Tallest Man On Earth – Love Is All

I discovered him from this Pitchfork Post, where you can also listen to “Like A Wheel” from his new EP. And of course, he is playing here in Montreal on September 25th, with S. Carey if you want to join me

The XX – “Crystalized”

I cannot stop listening to their album since I discovered it at Planet of Sound last week. Plus, they just won the Mercury Prize. You know you want to like them. And they’re playing Pop Montreal. Ok, I’ll stop. Everybody is playing Pop Montreal, it seems.

Badly Drawn Boy – “Too Many Miracles”

Oh I am SO HAPPY to hear some new music from him.

Blonde Redhead – “Not Getting There”

Penny Sparkle! Penny Sparkle! I am loving this album, and this track in particular reminds me of discovering blonde redhead when I was 26, browsing through albums in Brett’s apartment at 4 am. Luckily his downstairs neighbour was a technology company that always went home before dark, so they didn’t mind that we liked to play our music loud.

Seven Saturdays – “Au Revoir”

Loving this. Especially if you listen to it while sitting in a cafe sipping a latte watching the city move quickly while you sit still.

Frankie Rose & The Outs – “Candy”

Hello 2010′s version of 60s Sock-Hop dance.

Freelance Whales – “Hannah”

Just watch it, you will love it.

Back with more music later this week! But first, a bonus: Muppets + Iron Chef Cat Cora. Did you live through the muppet era? I dare you not to love this.

More music this week, since my bookmark-this finger is working overtime.

Best Coast – When I’m With You

Vampire Weekend – Giving Up The Gun

Their show Wednesday night was the most fun I’ve had at a packed a metropolis in a while.

Sean Carey – In The Dirt

You might recognize him from Bon Iver, but then again, maybe not.

Kisses – People Can Do The Most Amazing Things

Summer Camp – Ghost Train

I can’t stop listening to this.

Psapp – Tricycle

They were made famous because they wrote & performed the song that would become the Grey’s Anatomy theme song, but that’s seriously not their best work.

Metric – Eat Me Alive (Acoustic Version)

I prefer this to the album version, but maybe that’s just me.

And for good measure, Stereogum’s 40 best bands of 2010. Happy list-reading!

Now that listening to music is no longer “work”, it’s much more fun. I’ve gone back to my old ways – discovering new bands, seeing tiny shows, and I currently have a backlog of “I have to buy…” at least a few dozen long.

It’s been a while, but I’m restarting the Friday playlist, Maggie Mason lifelist style.

The Long Winters – Fire Island, AK

I first heard the Long Winters open for the Decemberists in the back of the Mercury Lounge in the middle of New York City. I have loved them ever since.

Diamond Rings – Wait & See

PS – you can see Diamond Rings @ Pop Montreal this year with Miracle Fortress

Catherine Feeny – Mr. Blue

Admiral Radley – Ghost of Syllables

I can’t tell you how in love with this band I am right now. We saw them a few weeks ago at the Belmont with 30 other people, which was sad (where was everyone?) but also, fantastic.

Florence & The Machine – Dog Days Are Over

I dare you to not be happy listening to this song.

Jonsi – “Animal Arithmetic”

I saw him perform this one and a half times in two different cities (that’s a LONG story), but every time it was fantastic.

School of Seven Bells – Windstorm

Happy listening, and I’ll be back with more next week!