Robyn‘s Body Talk is out now, but the series’ debut single, “Dancing On My Own,” is one of the best pop songs of 2010. The Swedish synth-pop queen stopped by Jay Leno‘s unfunny show last night (Nov. 24) to perform her evergreen dancefloor earworm. She unleashed some of her cute/awkward dance moves and hit every note. Cher looked impressed. See Robyn’s upcoming North American gigs here. (via The Audio Perv.)
Also, make sure to stream DJ/producer A-Trak‘s pulsating ‘80s synth re-rub of Robyn’s current single, “Indestructible” (via Discobelle.)
Peep the creepy new video for Active Child‘s chamber-pop hymn “I’m In Your Church at Night.” The L.A.-based singer-harpist Pat Grossi sort of retells Pinocchio using pastries. The otherworldly, Petro Papahadjopoulos-directed clip starts with Knife-faced pastry chefs stand in an indoor blizzard of cakes and black magic.
The track is off AC’s excellent Curtis Lane EP, out now via Filter U.S. Recordings. Grossi is currently working on his debut album, slated for a spring 2011 release on Vagrant. He’ll also be touring the U.K. in February. Check out the dates here.
Watch Marissa Nadler‘s new animated video for “The Sun Always Reminds Me of You.” The indie-folk tune is a new demo that will eventually be featured on the Boston singer-songwriter’s upcoming fan-funded fifth LP. The gory animation was done by Orion Rigel Dommisse. (Via Gorilla vs. Bear.)
The National
“Wake Up Your Saints” MP3
Nov 24, 2010
One of the alternate tracks The National made available to their fans on the High VioletExpanded Edition is entitled “Wake Up Your Saints.” Go to 4AD for more information about the release and “Violet Friday.” It will be available at independent record shops for only $7.99! Download it above (via Consequence of Sound/Pigeons and Planes.) The surprisingly upbeat tune sports plenty of brass instrumentation.
The Mynabirds
“All I Want Is Truth (For Christmas)” MP3
Nov 24, 2010
Today, Saddle Creek’s indie-pop darlings The Mynabirds released a free download of “All I Want Is Truth (For Christmas),” their jazzy yet bitterly nostalgic version of an (anti-) holiday carol. Download the original track above and if you like what you hear, visit the Saddle Creek website to check out The Mynabirds limited edition 7”, featuring “All I Want Is Truth (For Christmas)” and The Zombies’ “This Will Be Our Year” cover on the B-side.
In true holiday spirit, The Mynabirds have also given fans another gift today: a video for “What We Gained in the Fire,” off album What We Lose In The Fire We Gain In The Flood. Directed by Rob Walters, the vid layers beautiful technicolor Super-8 footage of singer Laura Burhenn with vintage black-and-white clips from her own family’s home movies.
Destroyer
“Chinatown” MP3
Nov 23, 2010
Today, Destroyer released a tantalizing track from forthcoming ninth album. Kaputt! (January 25 via Merge) It may be “Chinatown” but there’s a bevy of smooth saxes and groovy atmosphere going on. Download the smoky track above and head over here for additional album details in all their oblique glory. (www.destroyersongs.com)
Sufjan Stevens: “Too Much” Video
Check out Sufjan Stevens’ new neon fashion explosion of a clip. Lots of dorky dance moves await you. The vid is for The Age of Adz‘s twitchy electro-pop single “Too Much” and Deborah Johnson directed. You can also see it at Stevens’ awesome live shows (via P4k.tv.) Stevens performed the song last weekend on Jimmy Fallon.
Cut Copy: “Take Me Over” (Radio Edit) MP3 Stream
Today, Australian synth-pop outfit Cut Copy released “Take Me Over,” the first official single off upcoming LP Zonoscope, which is slated to hit shelves in North America on February 8th. The delectable electro track is available for your listening pleasure at all fine download outlets (you can also stream the track at Modular). A 12-inch vinyl will also drop “in the very near future,” according to the band’s press release. See upcoming tour dates here. - Laura Studarus
The track is off AC’s excellent 
