I always like to make music playlists that roughly link the songs with one another. One of the most obscure groupings I’ve ever made has to be one I did recently for musicians with names that have to do with animals. This was easier than you would think! So many artists name their bands after animals, or random things that I can associate with wildlife. As I searched through my playlist, many artists made the cut. Here are three.

For a long time now, I’ve been a massive fan of Andrew Bird. I respect him more than nearly any other singer/songwriter out there. He plays a mean violin, and whistles like a fucking champion! Excuse the language, but he’s that good. I’ve seen him live twice, and he was amazing both times. Listen to this track from his most recent album, Noble Beast, and be blown away. You can’t claim I didn’t warn you.

Next up, we have Handsome Furs. Interesting name, right? I found out about them while searching for small concerts to attend here in London. I can’t actually go to their show, but I bought their album and am very happy with it. Their catchy edgy, pop-y lead vocals (Dan Boeckner of Wolf Parade) easily stand up to strong electro indie rock beats. Their album, Face Control, is worth checking out on iTunes, even if you only buy a couple tracks. Here’s my favorite.

Last, are the Fruit Bats, an artist referred to me by my friend Annie. To be more accurate, I was re-exposed to them by her. I had actually had their second album in my music library, but hadn’t listened to it in quite some time. Listening to their newest effort, The Ruminant Band, it was obvious why I had liked them originally. At the moment, I have been trying to force myself to stop listening to them because I don’t want to get sick of their music (which would be nearly impossible). Now I’m going to be lazy, and play the “they remind me of” game. They remind me a lot of The Shins (one of my favorite bands), yet are much more folky. The Fruit Bats‘ (usually) cheerful vocals paired with rhythmic guitar and a fair dose of tambourine make it hard to resist the occasional thigh drumming session (slapping your hands against your thighs in order to pretend you’re drumming). It looks idiotic when someone is pretend drumming on their thighs during the subway ride to work (I see it all the time), so avoid listening to this band around strangers. Enjoy the single though!