LHB’s Shorties (Stars, The Mountain Goats, and More)

The Montreal Gazette profiles Stars.

Twice nominated for Junos (for Heart in 2004 and Set Yourself On Fire in 2005) and a Polaris Music Prize (In Our Bedroom After the War, 2008), Stars mark the point at which "indie pop" becomes less a descriptive than relative or even kneejerk term. Founded in 1998 by Torquil Campbell and Chris Seligman, their sound has fused orchestration, sophistication and, yes, ambition since 2004 album Set Yourself On Fire and single Ageless Beauty established them on the Canadian scene.

The Sasquatch! Music Festival has announced its 2010 lineup.

onethirtybpm lists the top 100 albums of the 2000s.

F**k Yeah The Mountain Goats is a fan blog dedicated to John Darnielle's band.

One of my favorite online music blog projects, the Music Alliance Pact (which has bloggers in 35 nations highlight a new song from their country) has posted its February 2010 edition.

NPR's All Things Considered profiles the Carolina Chocolate Drops.

Better Than The Van is giving away a tour van filled with music equipment at SXSW.

- David Gutowski