With this month’s return of American Idol and the Grammys approaching, we’re feeling like celebrating the talented musicians out there a little more than usual these days. Check out the artists that are making it to the top of our playlist. 

Matt & Kim

If you’re throwing a party this weekend that you want people to be talking about on Monday, Matt & Kim have you covered. Infectious and energetic only begin to describe Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino’s sound. The two dated for a few years before starting the band in 2004, and in 2009 followed up their self-titled album with Grand, with “Lessons Learned” off the album landing them an MTV Video Music Award. Even Blair and Serena can’t get enough of them (even though M & K are from Brooklyn): two Grand songs were featured in earlier Gossip Girl episodes this season.

Islands

We can’t decide what we like best about Montreal’s Islands:

* the upbeat, instrumental and celebratory sound of “Rough Gem” off their debut album Return to the Sea

* how the music video for “No You Don’t” opens with Michael Cera lip-synching the lyrics of the song, or

* how frontman Nick Diamond’s studded silver cape and metallic shoes remind us of a kid who refuses to take off his Halloween costume.

Reasoning aside, we can’t get enough of this self-described polymorphous pop band, and neither can fans worldwide – Islands will be touring Europe this spring. The group swings in noteworthy social circles back home too, having featured performances with fellow Montreal scene-sters on Return to the Sea, including members of Arcade Fire.

MGMT

If you’ve heard “Time to Pretend” or “Kids” off the duo’s breakout album Oracular Spectacular, chances are you’ve already caught the MGMT fever. Hailing from Upstate New York, these electro poppers have caught critics’ attention too with two Grammy noms, and Oracular Spectacular being named 18th best album of the decade by Rolling Stone magazine. Despite being signed to a major label, the band has managed to keep its indie cred by touring with bands like Of Montreal. Fun fact: the duo was originally named “The Management,” but since the name was taken they shortened it to MGMT.

Metric

A few seconds into Metric’s latest release Fantasies and the band’s cryptic, catchy sound will have you hooked. The single “Gimme Sympathy” will have you pressing repeat all day long, while heavier tracks like “Satellite Mind” will make you want to let your hair down. And who better to orchestrate such actions than the queen of not-brushing-her-hair-yet-still-looks-amazing, frontwoman Emily Haines? It’s no surprise the band sold out a show in 15 minutes in its hometown of Toronto.

Chick Picks

Here’s what you told us you’re listening to right now:
* Like Lions, recommended by ppolly
* The Gabe Dixon Band, recommended by spotty

Who is on your playlist?

by Julie-Anne Cleyn