Pasteboard - Flipper [mellow Japanese rock]

Pasteboard is a side-project by Mihoko Tanoue and Makoto Igarashi of Roly Poly Rag Bear. Since releasing their debut album Glitter in 2005, the two have decided to refocused their attentions to their original group. This is "Squall" from their 2005 album.

The Dø - Dust It Off [indie pop, dreamy]

Here's a live rendition of "Dust It off" by The Dø, a French/Finnish indie pop band. This version is slightly different from that on the album, which has a few instrumentals and electronic effects that are missing here. But this one really showcases Olivia Merilahti's voice, which is very well controlled and pleasant to listen to, though I guess it does get a little raw at the end. The song originally appears on their 2011 album Both Ways Open Jaws.

The Majority Says - 114 [pop rock]

The best description I have for this song is pleasantly uplifting. This is "114" by The Majority Says, a Swedish pop rock band. The song can be found on their latest EP Best Night Ever, which is currently only available in Scandinavia (too bad :\).

Oh well, guess I'll settle with streamin' on da Utubez.

Porcelain Raft - "Put Me To Sleep" and "Shapless & Gone" [indie pop, dreamy]

I don't usually link two songs in one post but, then again, I don't usually like albums as much as this one. These songs are from the latest album of Italian-born English artist Mauro Remiddi, currently going by Porcelain Raft. The album itself, Strange Weekend (2012), features a very well appreciated mix of electronic and acoustic instrumentals layered with a sort of dreamy ambience. Well, I don't really know how enticing that description makes it sound but it's seriously great.

Ok, here's "Put Me To Sleep" and "Shapeless & Gone".

Put Me To Sleep from Porcelain Raft on Vimeo.

Nujabes - Luv (sic) Pt. 2 (featuring Shing02) [japanese, hip hop]

Jun Seba, or better known as Nujabes, was a Japanese hip hop producer. Anime watchers may know his work best from the soundtrack of Samurai Champloo. Beyond that, he has collaborated with a number of artists inside and outside of Japan. A distinguishing characteristic of his work has been the incorporation of jazz into his sampling. Unfortunately, Jun Seba passed away in early 2010 after having been involved in a traffic accident. Rest easy, Nujabes.

This is "Luv (sic) Pt. 2", featuring Shing02, a single released back in 2002. 

Madeon - Pop Culture [live mash-up, electropop]

Check out the talent from 17-year old Madeon from France. There's a longer entry here giving you some background (I'll opt not to butcher it with my summarizing ability, more like lack thereof amirite).

Squarepusher - Plug Me In [experimental, electronica]

Squarepusher has been around the music scene for a while (since the mid 90's) though I've never actually listened to his stuff. Glad I was able to catch a listen of this: "Plug Me In" from his 2010 album Shobaleader One: d'Demonstrator. The rest of the album is pretty worth checking out too if this style suits you.

The Balconies - 300 Pages [indie rock]

Every so often I hear good things about CBC Radio 3 (CBC's online radio station that features Canadian indie stuff) though I had never really gone there. Well, I finally got around to going to the site (it was quite arduous really) and the first thing I heard was this fantastic song. This is "300 Pages" by The Balconies, an indie rock band from Ottawa. This song is from their self-titled album from 2009.

To my disappointment, their album doesn't seem to be available anywhere and their only show in the area until July was last week. Shucks.

And don't forget to check out CBC Radio 3 if the Canadian indie scene is something you want to hear more of.

Digitalism - Blitz [electro house]

So I've been listening to a lot /r/electrohouse lately, which would explain the recent influx of electronica. Here's a track that's been playing a lot in my background lately. Digitalism is a German electronica duo. This is "Blitz" from their 2011 album I Love You, Dude.

Shugo Tokumaru - Parachute [experimental folk]

One of the very first songs I saved on my Redditunes favourites was this song. Fast-forward half a year later after I've been acquainted with Asobi Seksu. Imagine my surprise when, as I'm browsing the other acts under Asobi's label (PolyVinyl Records), I find hear the familiar voice of Shugo Tokumaru!

Shugo Tokumaru is a Japanese multi-instrumentalist. He, who has been releasing music mostly in Japan since 2003, made his debut in the North American scene with his 2007 album Exit. He has since released another album, Port Entropy (2010). His music has been met with favourable reviews noting his use of more non-traditional instruments.

This is "Parachute" from his 2007 album Exit, a cheerful song with a very fun accompanying video.

Band Of Horses - The General Specific [rock]

Band Of Horses is an American rock band originating from Seattle. From their 2007 album Cease to Begin, "The General Specific" is an energetic song with a distinct Southern twist (though I may not be familiar with that type of music enough to really say). But, whatever it is, it's very nice. I've always been a sucker for strong rhythms and vocal harmonies.