Blonde Redhead + Taken by Trees

In recent years, NYC's hyperchic Blonde Redhead has abandoned some of its sleek bombast in favor of a classy, angelic sound. Still, when the Pace brothers get the rhythms pounding live, buckle yourselves in for the fierce stage presence of sexy singer Kazu Makino. They play dreamy songs from their new album, Penny Sparkle. Taken by Trees is the solo project of Victoria Bergsman, a member of Sweden's Concretes and the female vocalist on the Peter Bjorn and John hit "Young Folks." Taken by Trees' work is much less ebullient; its songs are constructed around airy acoustic arrangements that highlight Bergsman's sweet Scandinavian croon, which repays the attention.