Wall Of Sound

Time to hit the shuffle button:

“The Chaconne” by Dessa — Dessa is a local artist who got her start with the Doomtree hip-hop collective and has just released her first solo album. She brings a writerly sensibility to her songs, like this one about a musician who finds fame but not happiness. Her vocal delivery is lush without being showy and her lyrics defy hip-hop convention; you won’t hear many artists rap about the Chicago Manual of Style. Dessa represents all that’s exciting and fresh about the Twin Cities music scene.

“Lewis Takes Off His Shirt” by Owen Pallett — This elaborately crafted pop song is part of Pallett’s album Heartland, which tells the story of a psychotic farmer named Lewis who gets into shouting matches with a deity named Owen. The soaring orchestral stylings of Pallett’s music reminds me a bit of Sufjan Stevens, but Pallett’s tendencies are more confrontational. This song’s refrain of “I’m never gonna give it to you” is almost joyful in its defiance.

“When I’m Small” by Phantogram — Phantogram is a New York duo that combines elements of rock and electronica to create icy cool songs like this one. It sounds like something the house band of an intergalactic dive bar would play on a Friday night. Expect to hear this song on Grey’s Anatomy any day now.