Some recent musical discoveries

Some recent musical discoveries Some exciting bands I've discovered recently. Some have been around for a while; some are new. Here's my guide to what's hot.

MGMT, formerly known as The Management, are from New York, and their second single "Electric Feel" is getting a lot of airplay right now. Think World Party for the 21st century and check out their MySpace. Good stuff.

Now from the wild wastelands of Iceland, 3 excellent but totally different bands for you. If you like ambient music that doesn't even attempt to copy what's on the radio these days, check out Amiina (basically a string quartet of Icelandic ladies who are gradually adding more and more instruments to their arsenal)

Parachutes - a duo not to be confused with New Zealand's Parachute Band and an inferior rock band also called Parachutes. You'll find this band listed on Sigur Ros' MySpace in their top friends. These guys are touring the States now and are due to have their first album out later this year, which I'm very excited about as their music is fragile, winsome and totally compelling. Look out again for their MySpace to hear what they can do.

And then finally, after way too long a wait, there's Sigur Ros themselves. They'll be a more familiar name, and although I've been aware of them for a few years, I'd never listened to any of their stuff til about 2 weeks ago, and I completely fell in love with their Icelandic influenced soundscapes. Like pretty much nothing you hear on the radio these days, and all the better for it.

Of course, all these are just my personal opinions, but if you're feeling brave, check them out. Tell them Kipper sent you!