Dungen - “Panda”
The rush you first felt hearing the first Hendrix record? It’s all here in epic, tautly dramatic relief, and in trippy Swedish. (Andrew)
Belle and Sebastian - “A Summer Wasting”
I have vivid memories of hearing this song while driving through the Smokey Mountains on a warm June day. You should, too. (Beth)
Eric Matthews - “Fanfare”
The heralding of icy royalty in sound. Shiver-inducing melody (trumpet, hushed vocal) and counter melody (de-tuned bass) lines. Precision personified. (Andrew)
Curtis Mayfield - “Move on Up”
Optimistic and full of style, just like I like. (Beth)
Sloan - “The Good in Everyone”
So much power pop these days comes off sounding “by-the-numbers,” but Sloan revives the genre by keeping it short, brilliantly economical, and to the sharpest sneering rocking point. Bonus subversive fake live intro and coda. (Andrew)
The English Beat - “I Confess”
It's where I learned that I could break the news without breaking your heart. (Beth)
Nada Surf - “Blonde on Blonde”
A song about, and for, walking in the rain in blissful narcotic headphone reverie escape. An ephemeral moment relived upon each play. (Andrew)
Mohammed Rafi - “Jaan Pehechaan Ho”
My introduction to the fabulous world of Bollywood glam, for which I am forever grateful. (Beth)
The Bevis Frond - “She’d Be a Diamond”
Simple song structure but oh so imaginative wordplay and storytelling. Line after line of heartbreakingly brutal and shrewd observation. (Andrew)
Bow Wow Wow - “Wild in the Country”
Kinda like Cindy from the B-52's, this chick just lets it go! Absolutely free. (Beth)
Comsat Angels - “It’s History”
My soft spot for brooding big UK drama king music filled with psychic breakdown, failed relationships, general English bleakness, but oh so liquid and gorgeous arrangements. They sure knew how to use negative space to make the whole sound gel. Colorful gem stones glinting in the dark ethers. (Andrew)
Bjork - “Undo”
Maybe a funny choice for a pop list, but probably the most beautiful sound I've ever heard. Exactly what it feels like to sing with your soul. (Beth)
Billy Preston - “Let the Music Play”
My current hit single. Insane syncopated Hammond organ groove and complex arrangement delivered effortlessly with a gaudy late age-of-Aquarius sing song love party. (Andrew)
Arcade Fire - “The Backseat”
Before I figured out with this song was about, I could wail along. Now I just wail. (Beth)
Pell Mell - “Smoke”
One of my favorite bands, instrumental or otherwise. Surfy surreal twang as delivered by Tom Verlaine, the caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland, and Buckminster Fuller. (Andrew)
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The Trolleyvox Present The Karaoke Meltdowns is available now on Transit of Venus Records.
http://www.myspace.com/thetrolleyvox
http://www.transitofvenusmusic.com
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