I was one of those kids who got beat up during recess at elementary school because I knew all of the state capitals by heart and told everyone what they were, in order. Limbeck are like that, too. Their pop is jangly (there’s that word again) and fresh, their subject matter is late-teens and early-twenties heartbreak/confusion, and their knowledge of geography is absolutely impeccable.
Postal Service
Now that our beloved Postal Service appear destined to become a Harvard Business School case study, Sub Pop is scrambling to keep up with demand. Pending some new original material, that means releasing Give Up on vinyl with a bonus (if you don’t already own the CD singles, that is) 12-inch of B-side covers, like Iron & Wine’s tender rendition of “Such Great Heights,” and remixes, wherein dance music for bookworms gets transformed into, well, dance music. Included here is an example of the latter, and a couple for the uninitiated…what few of you are left.
Bearsuit
Brits. You’ve got your serious ones, like Bush (the band, not the W), and you’ve got your silly ones, like Bearsuit. Fun, catchy, with enough crunching guitar and animal costumes to keep it going. Their shows have just got to be a grand ol’ time. “Chargr” is the new single to be released November 15th.
Le Tigre
Le Tigre on Universal Records? Can it be? I mean it, can it really be? Yes, friends of 3hive, it’s true. So just to prove that Le Tigre haven’t gone soft or started hanging out with labelmate Lindsay Lohan, listen to “New Kicks” off their new album, This Island. And while you’re at it, watch the video for “Deceptacon”. My four year old loves it.
The Futureheads
Full disclosure: The first record I bought was an XTC 7-inch of “Helicopter,” with the B-side “Ten Feet Tall.” That’s back in the day when radio was really, really cool. I heard “Helicopter” on Mighty Six Ninety, an early AM alternative station out of San Diego. Bought the record the next day at Music Market, and played it over and over again on my parent’s hi-fi that was as big as a coffin. There should be no wonder then as to why I’ve taken a fancy to The Futureheads…
The Natural History
The Tepper brothers are the driving force behind The Natural History. With their comrades, they push out a pop-rock (or should that be rock-pop?) that entices and enthralls, like so many things from Brooklyn. The second album is still in process; these tracks from their debut should help shorten the wait.
Aqueduct
Best start off your introduction to Aqueduct with the thrift store gangsta stance of “Hardcore Days, Softcore Nights,” just so you know not to mess with frontman Dave Terry. Sure, it’s wry bedroom pop on the surface, but I think he’s only half-joking about “pulling heat” if you ask him where he’s from (Tulsa, by the way, which might explain the defensiveness). But the fun only begins there… Song to song, Terry recalls any of the nerd-music-for-the-masses elite — from Ben Folds (without the Elton John fixation) to Ben Gibbard (after a few sleepless nights) — though he’s well on his way to earning his own seat at the table. At least that’s what I’d say to his face, lest I get on his bad side.
Cinerama
John Peel died of a heart attack Monday at age 65. As Simon put it, it’s like a library burning. In memory, I’m posting a Peel Session track performed by one of Mr. Peel’s favorite songwriters, David Gedge, formerly of The Wedding Present and currently Cinerama. I don’t know how many incredible artists I discovered by way of the legendary Peel Sessions, but Gedge is definitely one of them. Man, there’s gonna be some good radio in heaven…
The Marlboro Chorus
Imagine Ween and Pavement each running for president. But, unlike next week’s real choices, you actually liked both candidates. Who would you vote for? Undecided? Enter a third party: The Marlboro Chorus.
Camera Obscura
Camera Obscura, like most good Scottish bands and football (a.k.a. soccer) clubs, hail from Glasgow. This seven-piece outfit makes classic pop. Sure, comparisons to Belle & Sebastian and even Nick Drake may abound, but Camera Obscura add a soul to their pop that makes them unique. Merge Records has been releasing their original Elefant Records releases in the U.S..