Minnesota

Minnesota:

Velvet Davenport

CITY: Minneapolis
SONG TO DOWNLOAD: "When You Are Out"
WEBSITE: myspace.com/velvetdavenport

WHY THEM: We were led to Velvet Davenport — the warm, '60s-inspired pop project of Parker Sprout — via Moon Glyph, a spooky, psychedelic small-run tape/vinyl label based in Minneapolis. On an early Moon Glyph label compilation, Sprout collaborated on the psych-pop gem "Get Out" with Los Angeles lo-fi king Ariel Pink and experimental-scene staple Gary War. We recommend starting with Velvet Davenport's "When You Are Out," a sunny, light-hearted Kinks-reminiscent pop track with West Coast vibes. That track's off of their second tape, White Blue, released prior to their nostalgic comfort record Warmy Girls, out via Moon Glyph as well. The pleasant-but-haunting LP comes with calming monotone vocals and classic flowery pop riffs.

ALSO CONSIDERED: Buffalo Moon— A summery, soulful garage-pop band who also have releases out via Moon Glyph.

By LIZ PELLY

Mississippi

Michigan