“Hell Broke Luce” from Tom Waits’ 2011 album Bad As Me is my favorite song of his from the past five years. This video, directed by old-school video director Matt Mahurin, does the gritty song well.

Here‘s the Shins with “It’s Only Life” from this year’s Port of Morrow.

I’m not so sure I love the song, but I definitely love this video. It was directed by Hiro Murai, who also directed a fantastic video for St. Vincent’s “Cheerleader.”

James Mercer being dragged by his feet along the grass by strange pitch-black creatures in a post-apocalyptic world = pitch perfect.

The Walkmen, at their best with “The Love You Love” from their latest album, Heaven. The video is in beautiful black and white. Not sure if there should be anything read into this, as the video itself makes little sense.

Here’s a very earnest cover of the Flaming Lips’ “Do You Realize??” sung by J. Tillman, otherwise known as Father John Misty.

In 3D.

She’s still got it.

Fiona Apple, with “Every Single Night” from her new album The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do. Got to see her at SXSW back in March and was able to confirm my teenage crush is still in full swing.

I’m moving to Staten Island so my son can go to PS22. #fb

/via Fuel Friends Blog

A video for a band I’ve not heard of previously called Yip Deceiver, with their song “Get Strict.” The song is clearly an evolution of what Passion Pit and JUSTICE have been doing over the last few years, but this video, “The Reggie Watts Cut” version, is amazing just because of Reggie.

There’s another version of the video with only small portions of Reggie dancing (mixed with other ridiculous people dancing), but the creators wanted to show how great Reggie was so they created this alternate all-Reggie version.

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.

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