ShockHound

While we try not to take sides — especially when it comes to twin sisters — we've gotta admit that, when it comes to Tegan and Sara, a great many of us here at ShockHound fall firmly into the "Team Tegan" camp.
      It's not that Sara isn't equally smart and talented and cute, or that she was any less responsible for the excellence of their 2009 album, Sainthood. It's just that Tegan has always, well, seemed a little more bad-ass to us. Maybe it's the tattoos...or maybe it's her awesome taste in music.
      Tegan recently took time out from the Honda Civic Tour, which the Quin sisters are currently playing with Paramore, to put together a truly sweet ShockHound playlist for us, and pen some witty and informative accompanying liner notes. To buy tickets for the shows, GO HERE; to check out Tegan's current musical obsessions and what she has to say about 'em, just scroll on down. Take it away, Tegan...

1. Robyn — Dancing On My Own
Robyn has put out back to back incredible dance pop records. A star when she was a teenager for bubble gum pop, she's basically taken her revenge again and again with records that in my opinion blow everything on the music charts away. Don't write her off. Take a minute and take in the magic of her voice and her lyrics. The video for this song is a must-see too. Sara made me watch the video and than a live performance of this song at some weird fair in Denmark or something on YouTube and it blew my mind. She is my hero.

2. We Are Scientists — Rules Don't Stop
This band was one of my faves a few years back. This new record is incredible. The first song had me skipping back each time it ended. It took me nearly a week to hear the rest of the record. I used to run to their old record: 1 lap forwards, 1 lap backwards. Can't help but think of that even now a few years later.

3. Crystal Castles — Celestica
Apparently these guys are from Canada. I don't believe it. I want to see their passports before I'll call them Canadian. Kidding. 2nd record from these guys. Didn't disappoint. Been listening to this on a few long plane rides to and from Europe. Makes me want to play Tetris and drink Tequila. I think that's a very good thing. Buy it! Enjoy.

4. Scissor Sisters — Fire With Fire
Great record. Saw them play Glastonbury. On TV. Not in person. Inspiring. They are a charming, good-looking, talented band about to take over the world. Get a ticket while you can.

5. La Roux — I'm Not Your Toy
Saw La Roux at Coachella this year. 10,000 people lost their minds. I was standing behind a wall of tall hipster models side stage. I was sorry I didn't join the throngs, honestly. It was still amazing. Her voice, her style, the whole thing was magical. This is all I listened to the last 5 months.

6. Beach House — 10 Mile Stereo
Randomly on vacation in London, I went to Hyde Park to see Paul McCartney. During intermission we saw Beach House play a Gazebo in the beer gardens. I have no idea why they were playing there. But I counted myself lucky to be one of 300 people to stand so close to this band. I even bought a t-shirt.

7. Kele — Tenderoni
Charismatic. Live show was a 10/10. The record is inspiring. And he is so cute.

8. Morgan Page — The Longest Road (Deadmau5 remix)
Deadmau5 remixes are always good. And Morgan Page is always good too. So imagine when they combine. Get your dancing shoes on, people! Don't hold back.

9. Steel Train — You Are Dangerous
This track is from Steel Train's second record. This is my favourite track right now. Its hard to pick a favourite when you are obsessed with an entire body of work. We toured with Steel Train for 3 months and I heard these songs night after night. Yet, 3 months since the tour ended I still wake up with songs from this record in my head. How is that right? Or fair. I've been poisoned. In a good way. Wish I was this band. Really.

10. Against Me — I Was A Teenage Anarchist
This is one of my top 10 bands of all time. This record is no short of perfect piece of art. Love it. Every second. Voice of our generation.

11. Gaslight Anthem — The Queen Of Lower Chelsea
Another great record from Gaslight Anthem. I watched Brian Fallon from Gaslight get his hair cut at a festival in Germany. I felt lucky to be in the audience at their show just before the haircut. The record, one of my faves of 2010 so far, is a beautiful, heartfelt piece of art and I think everyone should own it. When you're done falling in love with this record, do yourself a favor and go get their first record.

12. The National — Afraid Of Everyone
I feel intimidated to write about this record or this band. They are fantastic. In a league of their own. (Oops, conjured Madonna!) I hope to inspire and achieve what they have one day. I listen to music while I clean. I put this record on the first time, and ended up sitting with a duster and a mop in the middle of my living room floor listening to every word. I was enamoured by this song.

Click HERE to download Tegan's ShockHound playlist!

Related Artists Tegan And Sara