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Here goes: my top 7 most listened artists and albums for this week, January 25 through 31. This isn’t a list of my seven favourite albums of the week, or my top seven picks to spread news about, or even what I recommend to whoever reads this article. This is simply the seven artists that have graced my ears the most over the last 7 days, and why I have listened to them. Maybe you’ll find something new, maybe not.

1. Hey Rosetta! – Into Your Lungs, and Plan Your Escape EP

   Hey Rosetta! is a six-piece band from St. John’s, Newfoundland. In 2007, they released the Plan Your Escape EP and it is very good — quite terrific in fact — but fails to compare to the scope of the full-length that was released last summer.

   Just as the cover of the album reads, Into Your Lungs (And Around In Your Heart And On Through Your Blood), it has placed itself within my body. Whether it’s the perfect use of the mandolin in the opening track, or the melodies emanating throughout the disc, or the earnest voice that pleads with us through every song, I think this album is damn near perfect. It has nearly absorbed my being. Their geographical isolation may be the reason why you haven’t heard this yet, but go out of your way to find this record. I am willing to put money down that it’s going to be on the Polaris Prize list later this summer. If you count yourself as a fan of amazing Canadian music, then it is important that you listen to this album.

2. Sigur Rós - Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust

   The newest album by the most famous Icelanders that aren’t Björk. This is, hands down, my favourite band. A lot of people don’t like this album as much as the previous few albums. This one is a lot more bombastic and sunny than the other discs the group has released. It’s a little strange to the ears for those who are used to the somewhat darker, more intense post-rock style that they had become known for. Still a very impressive disc, it features a boy’s choir and orchestra on “Àra Bàtur”, and the group’s first song in English, “All Alright”.

3. Mogwai – The Hawk Is Howling

   When it comes to post-rock, this Scottish group wrote the book. This new album doesn’t disappoint, even if the cover isn’t actually a hawk. Check out “I’m Jim Morrison, I’m Dead”, “The Sun Smells Too Loud”, and “Thank You Space Expert” (which is possibly about Carl Sagan).

4. Dirty Three – Cinder

   This was a Last.fm recommendation. An Australian three-piece: guitar/drum/violin. It’s interesting, experimental, instrumental rock. I am going to keep listening to these guys to form a better opinion.

5. Seu Jorge – The Life Aquatic Studio Sessions

   David Bowie classics, covered by a delightful Brazilian man with a classical guitar in Portuguese. Is there more to say that should convince you? I thought I had lost this disc, but it was just hiding!

6. Megapuss – Surfing

   Devendra Banhart and his beard doing Devendra/beard things. Apparently, the first live show these guys put on featured what appeared to be a skirt made out of dildos. Listen to “Duck People Duck Man” and the meow solo in “Theme From Hollywood” to get a glimpse of how wacky this band is.

7. Rachel’s – Music For Egon Schiele

   This classically influenced post-rock band recorded the soundtrack they did for a theatrical production about painter Egon Schiele. The album abounds with piano and strings, and everyone is quite talented. It’s worth investigating.

So! Until next week, friends!

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