Because videos can still be worth your time…

Even if they’re dated — in a few months ago way. Or maybe from years past. From Modular People, the label behind MiS favorites like Cut Copy and The Presets, come one video that turned me onto what could be one of the better songs of 2011, and the other, simply eye candy. Maybe the beat will hit you, too.

Bag Raiders, an electro/funk duo outta Sydney, has been lighting up my dance floor –kitchen — as of late. The formula that I struggle to resist: lazer-like synths; funky drum patterns; sweeping, airy vocals; and a vibe that alludes rays of light, or at least an ability to make you move. Your choice….

And this alludes….

Quiet Storm King…

1995. A year a board has been dissecting — the year holds a special place in my rotation.  Figdish, a Chicago-based power pop quartet, one who ultimately helped spawn The Prairie Cartel, only further accentuate why 90s Chicago is a sound I never grow tired of. In true power pop fashion, Quiet Storm King clocks in at under three minutes; past Veruca Salt contributor, Nina Gordon, lends her vocals to bring this upbeat staple to the forefront of my rotation. 16 years later.

Fig Dish :: Quiet Storm King

Don’t even wanna be a….

“If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don’t feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.”

You know Norway comes correct — the dance happy Datarock is capable of corroborating this accusation. This Talking Heads, Devo loving duo drops further proof….

Datarock :: Catcher in the Rye

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