Everyone should be buying Yellow Ostrich’s new album, The Mistress. EVERYONE.

Here’s First Aid Kit again, singing probably the best new country song I’ve heard in years. I think I’m in love with “Emmylou.”

There are very few things better than some nice harmonies and a slide guitar. This is First Aid Kit, a couple of sisters from Sweden, singing the title song from their fantastic new album The Lion’s Roar.

I’m throughly excited by the current revival that music videos are going through. I feel like the level of quality in today’s music videos have really stepped up — all without an MTV to carry the day. Look at North Carolina’s Lost In The Trees’ video for their song “Red.” Nice stop motion animation, great movement, and really really cool.

Former Fleet Fox J. Tillman is calling himself (rather unfortunately) Father John Misty. As soon as I read that, I promised I’d never be able to get past that name to enjoy the music. But it appears that I’ve lied, because the music is pretty damn good. Here he is with “Nancy From Now On.”

Now begins the set of videos of bands I wish I’d gotten to see at SXSW but didn’t. First up, London quintet Dry The River with “The Chambers & The Valves.”

Not sure what it is exactly about “Golden Baby” that wins me over, but I love this song by the French pop act Cœur de Pirate.

Hearing Fred for the first time this morning via the great indie-pop song and video above. They’re apparently from Ireland, but I don’t know much beyond that. Too bad they’re not down here playing SXSW so I could catch a glimpse of them live. Anxious to hear more.

Sharon Van Etten, with “Leonard” from her most wonderful album, Tramp. One of the many performers I hope to catch at SXSW next week.

It’s apparently Attractive English Blonde Singers night here at the Bacon Review. Here’s Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves of Destiny singing “Atlas.” You can hear her whole album via stream for a short while over here, or you can simply buy the album like I just did.

Laura Marling, singing “All My Rage”. Did she dye her hair or something? I could swear this is not the Laura Marling I’ve seen before.

Still, good song, kookie video.

The Shins, with “Clapping Butter” = HI-larious.

Bon Iver’s “Towers,” the most traditional video yet from 2011’s self-titled album.

“Bon Iver at AIR Studios,” in which Justin Vernon and Sean Carey, armed with only two grand pianos, sing five songs, mostly in glorious falsetto. It’s long, but it’s worth it.

I recommend putting it on but then moving it to the background. For whatever reason, the douche factor is pretty high on this video if you watch it, but the beauty of the music is undeniable. Well worth listening to.

The setlist:

1. Hinnom, TX
2. Wash.
3. I Can’t Make You Love Me
4. Babys
5. Beth/Rest

There’s something infectious about James Mercer’s voice that makes me like the Shins despite my best efforts not to. Here they are, performing “Simple Song” from their new album Port of Morrow, which will be out on March 20.

This video by Mirel Wagner, whom I discovered today via a tweet by my friend Chris, is going to haunt me all day. Especially since her CD isn’t available in the US until March 27.

I wasn’t planning on liking J. Tillman’s new band Father John Misty but then you throw in Aubrey Plaza and suddenly things change.

I may be tired of the entire roots Americana movement, but the Head and the Heart still impress on a near-daily basis.

iTunes Match = royalty checks for musicians →

I had no idea the $25 I paid for iTunes Match turns into royalty payments to the musicians I listen to through iTunes Match. From Jeff Price:

A person has a song on her computer hard drive. She clicks on the song and plays it. No one is getting paid. The same person pays iTunes $25 for iTunes Match. She now clicks on the same song and plays it through her iMatch service. Copyright holders get paid.

Very cool.

/via Daring Fireball