The ups and the downs

More All-Stars you say?
OK!
4) She & Him. It's hard not to love them. As a duo, they are so utterly charming. Their lyrics pack an insatiable sweetness and their vintage production is enough to make a steel heart swoon. Zooey often sings as a besotted romantic and M. Ward's masterful guitar and occasional vocal accompaniment make for a listening experience as sweet as candy!
Personal Favorites: In the Sun, Sweet Darlin', Black Hole, Why do you let me stay here, etc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BlA7qX8II4&feature=fvst
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkzRyHa9a6g&feature=fvst

5) Joanna Newsom. This artful talent seems to have the most split response I have ever come across. Her voice seems to rub some the wrong way, and be a celestial gift to others. I say, haters be damned! This lady plucks beautiful tunes on the harp and sings poetry with the most unique voice you may ever hear.
Personal Favorites: Sprout and Bean, Only Skin, Swansea, Peach Plum Pear
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYl0uLrXP7U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUpElXWVMj4

6) Emily Haines & the Soft Skeleton. As before mentioned, and obvious to anyone who has had a conversation with me, I love everything Ms. Haines. Metric the upbeat, Skeletons the down. She has been my emotional education as well as the inspiration of many of my writings. Metric is well known and hardly needs a "sum up" so in regards to this list, it will be strictly Soft Skeleton work. Often haunting and vulnerable, these piano ballads are the personification of the human condition.
Personal Favorites: Our Hell, Doctor Blind, The Lottery, Reading in Bed, and so, so many others
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ud6vj2NFU8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq-jEHZ-EFc

7) Andrew Bird. Never have I heard such intelligent lyrical fiber! His style is more than just the average printed out Indie Folk artist. Mr. Bird can cross into the upbeat just as skillfully as he strikes the down. I admit, it had me hitting the dictionary, finding definitions to new and exotic words. I am not ashamed. Also, the man does a solid Dylan cover (<3)
Personal Favorites: Imitosis, Plasticities, Oh, Sister, Fitz & Dizzyspells
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnXCzFnkxtY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-rDyHSc0QU


Specks