I’m not quite sure I am still equipped to handle the extreme hipster-dom that is Darwin Deez, but I can definitely get behind any video that takes bad stock video, edits it together in a way to show aging in the treacly light that only stock can give you, and then inserts Darwin into each shot. Presenting the video for “You Can’t Be My Girl” in all its glory.

Yet another Canadian band I know nothing about, here’s Young Rival with a CRAZY video for their song “Two Reasons.” Mind blowing.

I saw this Grimes video a few months ago, but failed to post it then. Totally awesome video. Still not sure I’m either annoyed at Grimes or very much into Grimes. One of the two.

I don’t know Rich Aucoin, but this video for his song “Brian Wilson is A.L.i.V.E.” is awesome, walking through Brian Wilson’s entire life on film in the span of four minutes.

Here’s Colin Meloy, Jenny Conlee and Nate Query from the Decemberists, along with Ben Gibbard from Death Cab for Cutie, and Peter Buck from R.E.M. performing R.E.M.’s “You Are the Everything” at a fundraiser held in Portland this past Wednesday night. It’s safe to say I would have killed to have been at this event, had I known about it.

I’ve severely underestimated the popularity of The Postal Service. It’s been ten years since Give Up was released, and Sub Pop is releasing a 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of the seminal album. But apparently in that time the band has lingered in many heads or has moved into many, but either way, I’m pretty sure that even though this video only came out today, most everyone has already seen it.

Putting it here for archival purposes only. :)

One more for good measure: The Deer Tracks with “Lazarus” from their upcoming album The Archer Trilogy Pt. 3, set to release February 12. Just discovering this duo, but I like what I‘ve heard so far.

Oh, and btw, they’re coming to the Sunset on February 20. Watching this video and knowing what the Sunset is like, I can’t really put the two together. But I don’t see how I’m going to be able to miss this one.

And then there’s Bonobo, with their song “Cirrus” from their next album The North Borders, due April 2. Holy moly this video is mind bending.

Slowly growing to love this new band that’s about to burst onto the scene. Daughter, from London, have their debut album, If You Leave, coming out here in the states at the end of April. They’re definitely in the dream pop, XX/Beach House realm, but at least with three people there’s a little more interest happening on stage.

My current favorite musician, Shugo Tokumaru, who I’ve been listening to non-stop for the past month, has launched this new, mind-blowing video for his song “Katachi.”

And not only has it been featured on Pitchfork, it’s also being picked up in non-music circles, such as the awesome technology blog The Verge. The blow up is happening faster than I expected, but I’m excited that others are finding this awesome musician. His new album, In Focus?, came out this past Tuesday in the US. Buy it now — it is great, even if you can’t understand a word he’s singing.

Lastly, Shugo opens for Kishi Bashi at the Croc on February 22. I have a hunch this is going to sell out, so get your tickets now.

update: The video was created by Polish director(s?) Kijek/Adamski, who appear to have some amazing video-making chops.

I’ve been in love with this song for a very long time, thanks to one Windows 8 commercial in which the song prominently features. And I’ve only just stumbled upon it now.

You see, my current favorite, Shugo Tokumaru, whose album In Focus? has been in constant rotation since I wrapped up the 2012 Calendar, is going on tour with Kishi Bashi, the person responsible for the song above.

Catch Shugo Tokumaru and Kishi Bashi at their first stop together here in Seattle, at the Croc, on February 22. See you there! This is going to be one hell of a show.

David Bowie has a new album coming out in March called The Next Day. The first single from the album, titled “Where Are We Now?” is featured in the strange video above.

Like all David Bowie songs, this one will probably take a while to sink in, but in the end will be loved like all the rest. There are some classic Bowie videos on the “Vision” page that you should also watch. CANNOT WAIT for the tour announcement.

Another song from the forthcoming Atoms For Peace record Amok: “Judge Jury and Executioner.”

Pretty damn excited for this one.

Thom Yorke’s side project Atoms For Peace has launched a pretty amazing side-scrolling website to announce the launch of their upcoming album Amok, coming February 25. The song above, “Default,” is pretty good and falls right in with Yorke’s solo work as well as some Radiohead stuff, too.

The band has a pretty stellar lineup (as spelled out here):

Thom Yorke: Vocals Keyboards Programming and Guitars
Nigel Godrich: Production & Programming
Joey Waronker: Drums
Mauro Refosco: Percussion
Flea: Bass

And apparently they’re going to tour very soon. Strangely, this post just showed up in my RSS feed, but it’s dated December 4. Not sure if I’m the only one receiving it late, or if it was back-dated and truly posted today for some reason. Strangeness. Loving the music, though.

Another day, another pop song by a New Zealander that I can’t get out of my head. Here’s Kimbra with “Come Into My Head” from her 2012 album Vows, which sadly did not make it to my playlist early enough to be considered for the 2012 Bacon Calendar. No idea if it’s worthy, but I’m disappointed it couldn’t be considered.

Thank you, Matt, for calling this to my attention!

Well that’s a totally throw away song that I instantly love and know I’ll probably hate it in 6 months.

But for now, have some fun: Willy Moon, with his song “Yeah Yeah” from the album… um… I guess he doesn’t have one. Just three songs, in 2 years, according to wikipedia. Hm. Doesn’t hurt to get featured in an iPod ad, either.

The Local Natives finally have a new album coming out, four years after their much-loved debut, Gorilla Manor. The new album, Hummingbird, was produced by Aaron Dessner of the National, and if the rest of the album is like “Breakers,” I’ll be very very pleased.

Speaking of hearing about a band for the first time by reading about their new music video on Chrome Waves, here’s Japanese artist Shugo Tokumaru with a great video for his song “Decorate.” It’s off of his new album In Focus? which apparently will see a North American release on January 22, 2013.

As a reminder, you can follow @BaconTunes for album release dates and upcoming Seattle-based show dates I’m looking forward to (without commentary).

These Sufjan Stevens videos get more and more bizarre, which, considering what we’ve seen so far, is really saying something. Here’s the first of 7 videos in his “Friendship Slay Ride” series.

Can’t say I laughed out loud at any of these, but I definitely watched each one through to the end in mouth-dropping amazement.

The other 6 can be found here:

Friendship Slay Ride 2 of 7
Friendship Slay Ride 3 of 7 — my favorite
Friendship Slay Ride 4 of 7
Friendship Slay Ride 5 of 7
Friendship Slay Ride 6 of 7
Friendship Slay Ride 7 of 7

Also note if you have tickets to see his show on the “Surfjam Estabanopolis Christmas Spectacular Seasonal Affective Disorder Sing-a-long Sensation” tour, Sufjan has given special instructions on his website.

New Frightened Rabbit album, Pedestrian Verse, coming February 5, 2013. Here’s one of the songs from the album, “Dead Now.” A montage video, not much to it really. But still: NEW FRIGHTENED RABBIT!