This week's listening assignment

Well I can't have much of a "personal" blog without making constant music recommendations. It never ends, I know, I know... it's just who I am.

Here's (some) of the stuff I've been listening to and enjoying... a lot. As you'll see, my tastes continue to grow more eclectic (if that's possible) but the web is doing wonders for small bands from around the world and there's some really interesting stuff out there.

This week's tracklist includes:

Amadou & Mariam, Dimanche a Bamako: A blind husband and wife duo from Mali. Very catchy, interesting stuff. Try the track "M'Bife".

Johann Johannsson, Englaborn: Icelandic composer and member of the band, The Kitchen Motors. This is incredibly beautiful music that sounds like it's from the stark, icy glaciers themselves. Love this album. Not his latest. I just discovered it last week. A must for any Radiohead fans.

Jens Lekman, Oh You're So Silent Jens: A lovely Swede with a healthy sense of irony and black humor. Tres post modern but very listenable. He pulls in a lot of interesting references to Burt Bachrach, the Velvet Underground, and Orange Juice. Check out "A Sweet Summer's Night on Hammer Hill" if you can find it. Bizarre but fun. "Maple Leaves" is also great.

Deerhoof, The Runners Four: They're pretty out there but when they're on they're really, really great. One of the few current rock bands who still manage to surprise you. Tracks like "Scream Team" just get played over and over and..

and finally...

Bell Orchestre, Recording a Tape the Colour of the Light: A lovely, spare instrumental set from a group that includes several members of The Arcade Fire. Great fall/winter music. Check out "Les Lumieres" or "Throw it on a fire" for starters.

That ought to get you through the next couple of days. More to come.