I’ve been feeling very positive about the quality of releases from new (and old) pop bands I’ve heard lately. I mean, it is SUMMER, the perfect time for basil mojitos, swimmin’, mowin’, meat eatin’ and pop listenin’. Here’s what I’ve been lending an ear too:

*The Headlights - “Kill Them With Kindness” (PolyVinyl) – Got this one in the mail and hadn’t heard anything about them. I stuck it in the player was instantly impressed. I get at least one or two CDs a day and 90% of them suck, so imagine my joy. They’re from the Midwest (Champaign, IL) and remind me of Of Montreal and Broken Social Scene a bit with their melodious approach to gorgeous, orchestral pop. Super catchy!
*Camera Obscura – “Let’s Get Out Of This Country” (Merge) – Glasgow’s Camera Obscura has hit their peak. I’m sure they hated those Belle & Sebastian comparisons in the past but they’ll like this one: Let’s is about 8 billion times better than anything B & S have done in a long time. The 1950’s sensibilities and snarky lyrics make it one of the best records of the year so far.
*1900s- “Plume Delivery” (Parasol) – The 1900s are an “it band” with seven members and lotsa buzz from Chicago. About half this EP is right-on with dazzling harmonies and a baroque folk/pop bent. However, when they let their psych tendencies intrude, things get a little hinky. Still, a nice first run and a band worth keeping your eye on.
*Grizzly Bear – “Yellow House” (Warp) - Beautiful, atmospheric pop that floats like the fluffiest white clouds in the sky.
*Psapp – “The Only Thing I Ever Wanted” (Domino) – Like Solex, Psapp combines an array of electronic noises, samples and beats with female vocals for a jumpy, funky, completely irresistible outcome.
*Hidden Cameras – “Awoo” (Arts & Crafts) – Folky & infectious pop from a Toronto collective of musicians

Did I mention ice cream man chasin’? Chocolate Taco, here I come!

# posted by Silver Zephyr : 6/28/2006