spring, peeking
After some interminable “cool it’s warm!/oh wait, no it’s not!” tug-of-warring, the 10-day here in New York is looking solidly above 50. Today is even in the 60s, which has (consciously? unconsciously?) had me playing some flittering, sunshine-y kind of tunes all morning.
Here’s what I’ve already run through:
Rodriguez, Cold Fact: Not sunshine-pop by any means, but there’s something about the breeziness and light arrangements here that tugged and tugged me to put it on. Also, it’s incredible… just in general. Duh.
Ra Ra Riot, The Rhumb Line: Decided to finally give this album a listen after seeing the official video (and Craig Ferguson performance) of “Can You Tell.” It’s a really, really nice song — some have mentioned Morrissey in the vocal lilt, but it seems so clearly Vampire Weekend to me. I guess it’s weird to call out a one-year-old reference point against the Canon of Moz, but Joe told me Ra Ra Riot are buddies with VW, so… I feel vindicated.
Phoenix, “1901″: Not out yet, but available as a download from their official site. They’ve brought the synths back! This is the soundtrack to a grin-so-wide-it-hurts.
At some point today I will also probably listen to Bizarre Ride II, Cass McCombs’ “Sacred Heart” and something Reality Bites-y. Shame About Ray probably. Even now, I’m thinking of more sunny musts: “Carrot Rope”! 1910 Fruitgum Company! “Don’t Worry Baby”!
Gonna be a good day.
O god, somehow I managed to forget Jonathan Richman’s Her Mystery Not Of High Heels and Eye Shadow, which is my sleeper favorite thing he’s ever done. PERFECT spring album.
It even has “Springtime in New York”!
http://hypem.com/track/510485/510485_1
The Rhumb Line grew and grew and grew on me and it’s just a fantastic album. I like VW’s debut lots, but there’s a dynamic to Ra Ra Riot that’s just thrilling to listen to. Awesome pop music.
You convinced me to finally download Cold Fact…and it’s just what I needed today!
Does this mean that emusic will be getting the new Phoenix disc?
There is no definitive word, but probably not. I couldn’t help repping that song though, it’s great.
It’s a shame that 1910 Fruitgum Company collection isn’t available here in the US! Sorta rained on my (would-be) parade.