A Baker's Dozen : Volume 2

Burn it & crank it...

01. The Guillemots - "Trains To Brazil". Way back in the 80s there was an anthemic Irish band named (no, not U2) The Waterboys and they had one massive hit called "The Whole Of The Moon". "Trains To Brazil" sounds like The Arcade Fire doing a vague cover of The Waterboys. But better. Much much much better. I've recently had this on repeat for almost an hour. "And to those of you who moan your lives from one day to the next / Well, let them take you next / Can't you live and be thankful you're here? / See it could be you tomorrow or next year". (Website / Purchase).

02. Broken Social Scene - "Swimmers". Many months after its release, I've yet to tire of this one. "If you always get up late / You're never gonna be on time / And that's a shame / cause I like you / I never see you". Perfect. (Website / Purchase).

03. The Standard - "Red Drop". Years ago and in one of too many old bands that I've been in, we opened up the Silver Lake Lounge for The Standard. At the time, we had never heard of them. We were utterly blown away. This song is from their most recent disc and boasts their always incredible rhythm section. (Website / Purchase).

04. Dustin's Bar Mitzvah - "To The Ramones". Along with the Guillemots' track, this is my favorite pick of this litter. "You made me walk through the pouring rain just to tell me to my face / You said it would sound better if I came round to your place / And I don't know what it meant to you, it didn't mean that much to me / And I don't know what it meant to you, but as far as I can see it didn't mean that much to me / Now I can't wait to get home so I can listen to the Ramones / Lie down in my bed, get your voice out of my head". A teenage anthem to rival all others. (Website / Purchase).

05. The Killers - "Under The Gun". Yes, I agree, enough has been written about the Killers and the backlash is (of course) in full swing. Truth -- this song has been STUCK in my head since I heard them play it live 3 months ago. I know of few better opening melodies. Even Chic should be jealous. (Website / Purchase).

06. The Walls - "Black And Blue". A bit hippy for my usual tastes, but I love the charm of the verse melody in this one. (Website / Purchase).

07. The Magic Numbers - "Sing A Song For You". A Tim Buckley song, and not one that I'm particularly fond of. But, the Numbers' version is a vast improvement on the original and the harmonies here are unbelievable. (Website / Purchase).

08. Page France - "Dogs". Yet another constant repeat song. To me, this verse melody is genius. (Website / Purchase).

09. The Research - "Lonely Hearts Still Beat The Same". This is a real grower. Simple simple simple indiepop song. I love the harmonies and I love it when the drums open up 1/2 way through the chorus (not to mention the clever bridge). (Website / Purchase).

10. The Concretes - "Chosen One". Smooth and catchy Swedish pop here. "I don't know about falling in love / cause it comes to an end, I've been told / Now I'm out here with my heart in my hand to hand it over / Have you seen my chosen one? / If you do, tell him I'm in for love". (Website / Purchase).

11. Casiotone For The Painfully Alone - "The Only Way To Cry". "A man goes to the movies and buys every seat in the house / He watches the movie alone / He cries in the darkness until the end credits roll / He says 'I know it seems extravagant, but have you ever tried? Man, it's the only way to cry'". (Website / Purchase).

12. Junior Bloomsday featuring Cadence Weapon - "Your Perfect Gene". Weird tune here. Shoegazer electronica that has this amazing "hip hop" shift about 90 seconds before the end. Then the "featured artist" (I'm so sick of that credit) rounds things off with a rather cool rap. I know it sounds weird, but just try it. (Website / Purchase).

13. Voxtrot - "Missing Pieces". Finishing things off here with indie darlings Voxtrot. I don't entirely love them, but they do write some insanely catchy choruses and this song has some great guitar work. Somehow, even though it clocks in at 5+ minutes, they manage to keep this song incredibly interesting and dynamic throughout. (Website / Purchase).

Until next time...