What I'm Listening To: A Fine Frenzy's Alison Sudol's playlist

A Fine Frenzy is Alison Sudol, a piano songstress who writes haunting songs that pour from her hands and mouth with aching beauty. Since the release of her debut album last year, One Cell in the Sea (Virgin Records), she's been busy touring, making videos and you know -- becoming kind of famous -- but she took some time out of her day to tell us what she's been listening to. And, if I may add, all great songs and artists worth checking out.

Alison Sudol's Playlist:

"Nude" - Radiohead
Thom's voice combined with the production on this track makes something that sounds like it descended from the heavens.

"Expectations" - Belle and Sebastian
Ah, the theme song of teen angst. I wish I had been this rock and roll when I was in high school, but I can feel like I was when I listen to this song. The horns are such fun and it makes me do a little dance when I listen to it. Oh yes, yes I do.

"To Be Alone With You" - Sufjan Stevens
I'm addicted to coffee, cookies and this song. It's 2:48 of pure perfection, with lyrics that make you go, "huh? really? wow." Listen to it and you'll know what I mean.

"Lion's Mane" - Iron & Wine
This song reminds me of being a kid exploring my grandparents' ranch. Golden fields, rusted tractors left to lie, barns caving in on themselves and a sky so blue you can stare at it for hours and only notice time has passed when the sun has gone to bed behind the mountains.

"Road to Joy" - Bright Eyes
This song starts out very tight, very organized, with the guitar playing a riff based on Ode to Joy. As it progresses, it starts to unravel, and by the end it's just plain chaos. It's brilliant.

"Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)" - Peter Sarstedt
I heard this song in the Darjeeling Limited and fell immediately in love. It's so summery and fun, good for a sunny day's walk.

"Hold You in My Arms" - Ray Lamontagne
I adore Ray Lamontagne. In this particular song, his voice and lyrics are so tender you can curl up in them and fall asleep.

"Open Field" - Taken by Trees
I've been playing this song a lot lately, just came across it randomly on myspace. It sort of reminds me of a cross between the Babes in Toyland soundtrack and music one would hear at a Chinese restaurant. I love it!

"La Petite Fille de la Mer" - Vangelis
This piece is just purely spectacular. Somewhat Tim Burton-esque, delicate and perfect

"I Need all the Friends I Can Get" - Camera Obscura
Listening to this makes me happy. It's a little bit mean, but in the nicest way possible, and her voice is so sweet she could say anything and make you smile.