on the lookout for the cool stuff…

well, ok. Top 6…

actually, 2011 was a GREAT year for music. unfortunately, you probably didn’t get to hear most of the really good stuff. that’s what Obscuria is about: turning you on to great music you wouldn’t know about otherwise.

my full “Best of Obscuria 2011″ mix is 38 songs, but for this list i limited myself to a handful of songs that were actually released in 2011. there are more i could have easily included, but hey, you gotta make choices…

 

 

 

A Lull “Dark Stuff”

i discovered this beauty while working on my selections for Chicago Mixtape.

 

 

 

The Civil Wars “Barton Hollow”

since i seem to hear it on the radio all the time now, maybe this one’s not so obscure anymore. but it was when i first heard it on a “filmspotting” podcast.

 

 

 

Ha Ha Tonka “Usual Suspects”

Bloodshot Records is everything you want a record label to be, and frequently offer free downloads. i found this on their Fall 2011 Sampler, a simply amazing collection of excellent music.

 

 

 

The Limiñanas “Down Underground”

of course, i had to include The Limiñanas, but had a tough time choosing which song. eventually, i realized it really had to be this one (even tho i guess it technically came out in 2010…)

 

 

 

Exene Cervenka, “Already In Love”

if you don’t already know who Exene Cervenka is… well, there’s Google. use it. this gem was also on Bloodshot’s Fall Sampler.

 

 

 

The Middle East – “Jesus Came To My Birthday Party”

i can’t even explain why i love this song so much. some songs just hit ya that way…unfortunately, the band broke up a few months ago. this video is one of the two winners of a contest they held; you can see the other winner and finalists at http://genero.tv/themiddleeast/

 

 

 

 

to hear my full “Best of Obscuria 2011″ mix, join us early this afternoon (12/31) for a special New Years Eve Obscuria at 3160, 3160 North Clark St., Chicago. (yeah, we know you got plans for later tonight. that’s why Obscuria is in the afternoon…)