In the spirit of hope for the new year, this week's playlist is a selection of artists, labels, and tiny movements whose presence I hope will be more felt in the coming year. The list starts with Dutch punk band Ivy Green (Pogo) and one from Oregon's The Rats (pre-Dead Moon, released on vinyl/cassette-only label Mississippi records.) Also included are some recent New York labels either doing vintage reissues or reworking and exploring vintage sounds. I included music from the following labels: Sacred Bones (The Rebel's "Why I Must Pay"), Wierd[sic] (Martial Canterel's "Two Before Four"), and Minimal Wave (Oppenheimer Analysis's "Devils Dancers"). Thank me later for finding mp3s, since these are vinyl-only releases!

While there has been plenty of underground pop experimentation happening for a while now, I have to give credit to Sweden (Gotheburg), as they are doing a great job of combining a fertile mix of songwriting, electropop production, and a bit of good ol' heady weirdness, all without just mindlessly plundering bands who became popular ten minutes ago. Tough Alliance and their Sincerely Yours label (responsible for J.J. No. 2's "Masterplan") have been nailing this sound but are releasing music at their own slow, personal pace.

Rounding things out are electronic picks from labels that will be sure to grow in 2010: Lawrence's beautiful Moondog-meets-Steve Reich-sounding "Father Umbrillo" on his own Dial label, and soon-to-be dubstep crossover label Hyperdub with King Midas Sound and Zomby. Happy New Year!

Stupid Village Ivy Green