Here’s a sampling of my current musical obsessions.
“Repeaterbeater” by Mew — Who says prog rock is dead? This Danish group channels the spirit of Yes to craft a baroque bit of pop that doesn’t once mention wizards or spaceships. The song has a grandeur that one doesn’t encounter much in today’s world of manufactured teen idols and morose indie singer/songwriters.
“Catamaran” by Candy Claws — This band reminds me of Air France in its capacity to create sweet, sweet ear candy. Like the rest of the album, this song has a sun-drenched tropical vibe that conjures up images of blue water and white sand. Highly recommended iPod listening if you ever find yourself sipping a daiquiri on the shore pf some privately owned island in the Caribbean.
“Breaking Into Cars” by The Raveonettes — I’ve been a fan of The Raveonttes ever since I first heard their signature sound, a curious mix of grungy guitars and old-school AM radio pop that shouldn’t work but somehow does. This song starts out with a menacing bass riff but then shifts into a darkly exuberant chorus that will have your inner teenage rebel jonesing to go break something.
I love the Raveonettes. They are very reminiscent of The Jesus And Mary Chain. Both groups are very fond of burying catchy retro-sounding pop songs under a wall of guitar noise and distortion. The Raveonettes draw a bit more heavily from the early rock and roll sounds of the late 50s and 60s than JAMC, but they are both very similar in style. Definitely try some Jesus And Mary Chain if you haven’t yet.