Private’s My Secret Lover…

Now this could be some of the most over the top sugary, bubblegum pop I’ve promoted in some time, but I’m comfortable with it. Private out of Denmark throw in some 80s pop in the vein of Prince, some lost aspects of Ace of Base, and some JT like vocals to create a mighty fun pop record. I was told if I dug Chromeo, then this would be right up my alley. And as I spin this, I realize any fan of pure pop should at least give this one a quick listen. The jury is still out on if this record will be just as enjoyable next month. For now though, indulge in one of the better guilty pleasures of ’07.

Private — ‘Waiting for Tonight’

Good Shoes Tough to Beat

Two of my favorite recent Britpop releases were recommendations made by Jason (who is on British soil as I write): Sheffield’s Little Man Tate and Brighton’s The Kooks. Luckily, I have the great Not Lame Records to thank for my newest find, The Good Shoes from London’s Morden neighbourhood.

As someone who has never managed to catch hold of the sound of the Arctic Monkeys; Good Shoes are what I had hoped the Monkeys might have been. Writing speedy, jaunty, crunchy little indie pop/rock numbers suits the Shoes just fine. This CD should become a classic of mid 2000s Britpop. Take a listen. One of my top albums of the year.

“Small Town Girl”

And, the video to the excellent single, “Never Meant to Hurt You.”

You Up on This?

The love to hate Ryan Adams released the EP “Follow the Lights” this week.  To me, he finally  brought in a quality control manager.  “Easy Tiger” from this past summer and now this EP are here to prove it.  Below is Bryan, I mean Ryan Adams’ cover of “Down in a Hole” originally written and performed by Alice in Chains.

Care For More? A Few Will…

Nada Surf performed a few shows in Chicago this past weekend and one of them was an in-store at the Apple Store on Michigan Ave. The set list consisted of:

– “Concrete Bed”

– “Whose Authority” (new joint)

– “What’s Your Secret?”

– “Blizzard of ’77”

-New One?

– “Always Love”

– “Blonde on Blonde”

Much thanks to N. Liveris.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Just a Little Tease…

Nada Surf, who this blog knows well, almost too well is set to release their fifth album in February of ’08. As anyone who reads this blog knows, they’ve yet to release anything less than stellar. I expect this record to be just as solid as previous efforts and so do you. Give a listen to a track from the forthcoming album “Lucky”.

Nada Surf — See These Bones

D.A.N.C.E.

Justice, the crazy duo from Paris, France, paid a visit to the Jimmy Kimmel show earlier this week to perform their big hit, “D.A.N.C.E.”  From the looks of the enlisted band, it seems as though the song has touched more than just the blogosphere. 

Cut it up, Mike…

Office Hotties

Office gets me excited about pop/rock again.

The Lost Boys?

Vampire Weekend hail from Brooklyn, NY and are also riding a small wave of hype thanks to the blogosphere. Should you care about another Brooklyn buzz band? Most definitely. This four piece came together to construct “Brit-pop, some New-Wave and some African music as well.” One of the terms being thrown around for their style is “Ivy League Pop”. Whatever you want to say about them, this time the hype is more than warranted, and their quirkiness on record is helping them to make my coveted top 10 of 2007. Please give a listen below (JT) or at their MySpace.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Vampire Weekend –‘Boston’

Vampire Weekend – ‘Walcott’