1/3 into ’11…

Where MiS has been is irrelevant; not where this blog is headed is too important either, but know that music has still been at the forefront around these parts. I no longer believe weak years exist in music — this year has already seen numerous records from past favorites. Oh, the TN popsters Heypenny dropped a monster, too.

The coveted spot in ’09 went to the Belgium act Das Pop. Sometimes I roll back on my choices for best-ofs, especially when Chicago-based acts come into play. Still, Das Pop are an act I continue to return to, and their record, The Game, is one that’s been on repeat. Inevitably, these boys — because the Prairie Cartel has been stagnant — kick off the resurgence of MiS….

Das Pop :: Skip the Rope

They Are Right: Never Can Get Enough!

As 2/3 of 2009 have almost come and went, some top albums are beginning to shine. Like always, the albums I deem respectable are the ones receiving consistent play. Way back in late January, I was totin’ the infectious Belgium quartet Das Pop – who are young proteges of Soulwax. They lived up – to what sounded like blasphemy at the time – to an act who concocted strong, upbeat, driving pop numbers that are truly worth returning to. And now you know 1/10 of my Best of 2009.

Never Get Enough, with its colorful melodies, robust rhythms, and overall vibe to not bob your head, but step out to the floor and shake it until…

Is in video form now…

Heartfelt and nice on the keys, too…

Das Pop :: September

Das Pop!

I’m sitting on something rather catchy here – to be more specific, it’s infectious, really.  Das Pop, out of Ghent, Belgium have concocted an assortment of party jams; tracks to spin before you’re about to step out on a Saturday evening.  It’s a nice mix of elements we enjoy: guitar driven dance rhythms, driving bass lines, and a sprinkle of Soulwax here and there.   If the Das Pop’s name sounds slightly familiar, it might be.  Justice has prominently incorporated them in their mixes – especially “Underground”.  Upon first listen, “Underground” is the perfect combination of pop tricks to get you thinking you’ve heard this song many times over.  But no, it’s not 10 years old; it’s from 2007.  This group of Belgium composers understand how to seep contagious tracks into your head.

And the real kicker, this quartet’s debut LP was produced by the Dewaele brothers – A.K.A. Soulwax. (New mix on their MySpace)  If you’re familiar with daytime Soulwax , when they’re not remixing themselves, you’ll find lighter elements of Any Minute Now interspersed throughout. Das Pop toy with springier garage rock, too.  But they aren’t just another band who write dance songs with guitars and hand claps; Das Pop can compose light-hearted numbers with subtle piano hits, light strings, and delicate plucking, too.  With upbeat party tracks, a soulful ballad or two, Das Pop have put together a record earning repeat spins today and most likely throughout all of 2009.  Highly recommended…

Das Pop :: Saturday Night Part 1

Das Pop :: Never Get Enough