"Lungs" by Florence and the Machine
Click here to order in CD form from amazon.com
Click here to order in MP3 form from amazon.com

One side effect of the democratization of music over the past few years is that more chances are being taken, with artists that have a more unique vision.  Another great example just came across my desk.

I’ve been a fan of artists like Imogen Heap and Feist’s recent efforts, so when I listened to Florence and the Machine’s debut, “Lungs,” I was quite excited by what I heard throughout much of the album.  The music is very atmospheric and quite diverse, but it all shares a similar sensibility, with a slight tinge of nostalgia in what is a very fun record.

The 13-track album kicks off in high gear with “Dog Days Are Over,” a loud, raucous romp that serves as a great introduction to the group.  The album transitions into a track that reminds me a lot of Imogen Heap in feel, “Rabbit Heart,” which has a bit of electronica going on, and some emotional singing, but with some very sweet vocal layering that moves it away from Heap and into its own arena.  The third track, “I’m Not Calling You a Liar,” slows down the tempo and feels more folky.

“Hurricane Drunk” is more straightforward, but with some musical embellishment that gives it an unusual feel, uplifting yet off-kilter (like a hurricane, perhaps) that is wild yet infectious.  Also more straight ahead is the closer, “You’ve Got the Love,” which is the most distinctly pop song on the album.

A few of the songs add in some guitar, giving the tracks an edge, but it feels unnecessarily hard compared to the other music.  The group does employ it well, but it feels out of place, especially as the beginning tracks feel so airy.  However, fans of the “The” bands of a few years ago will find some merit here; see “Kiss With a Fist” for the best example of this.

Meanwhile, “Between Two Lungs” has that 60s-influenced sound that a lot of artists have employed lately, and this track falls within the upper tier of that genre.  So does the track that follows, “Cosmic Love,” which doesn’t quite stick to that template, even though it has the same feel, and puts more work on the piano and drums for a very emotional song.

Throughout, the singing is inspired and the instrumentation is well played and thought out.  Florence Welch carries this music admirably, with a great voice that fits like a glove with the varied instrumentation that ranges from harps to electronica, and with vocal backings that include a choir.  It’s quite the mish-mash of music, and like Mandy Moore’s effort earlier in the year, it is an unlikely combination of elements that works incredibly well.  The instrumentation, paired with Welch’s beautiful voice, brings it all together for a very novel result, and well worth your time.

Pop fans and those looking for something a bit different will find a lot to like in Florence and the Machine’s debut.  Check it out - you won’t be disappointed.

"My Love is Better" by Annie
Click here to order in MP3 from from amazon.com

In other music, European artist Annie has always dabbled with 80s sounds.  Her 2004 album “Anniemal” was both amazingly retro and amazingly current at the same time, with music that is still totally infectious, five years later.

Her second album will be out in November and will be reviewed here, but in the mean time check out superlative single “My Love is Better,” another slice of pop that feels from another era yet is quite modern.  It’s available on iTunes and other music services and is well worth the download.