“There’s a line in that song that just slays me. It says, “Wisdom’s a gift but you trade it for youth. Age is an honor, but it’s still not the truth.” I just love that. I don’t know where you were when you wrote that line, but good lord.” via Bob Boilen, NPR: All Songs Considered
♩ Vampire Weekend – Step [from Modern Vampires of the City]
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I’ve been gushing about Sleigh Bells since I started this here blog back in 2009. Since then, the NY noise-pop duo have released 3 full-length albums, and i’ve loved them all. Bitter Rivals was released this year (not even a year after 2012’s Reign of Terror) and packed full of the duo’s signature pop hooks and epic guitar riffs I love so much. I’m not sure if Sleigh Bells will ever be able to top their debut album, Treats, but if they keep releasing tracks like “Sugarcane”, I won’t complain one bit.
♩ Sleigh Bells – Sugarcane [from Bitter Rivals]
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“’Don’t Swallow the Cap’ (maybe a reference to Tennessee Williams’ unfortunate demise) slowly builds into an anthemic ending, combining lush string arrangements with eery distortion and Bryan Davendorf’s cyclical drum work. It’s an odd melding of styles – Davendorf drums like he’s in Can; the Dessner brothers play delicate, sly melodies; Matt sings with an intimate intensity – but it works, and I’m not sure it ever won’t.” via Pretty Much Amazing
♩ The National – Don’t Swallow the Cap [from Trouble Will Find Me]
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Cults’ self-titled debut was my favorite album of 2011, so needless to say, I was super excited for their sophomore effort. Like Sleigh Bells above, I don’t think Cults will top their debut, but Static did not disappoint one bit. There are a handful of worthwhile tracks, but “We’ve Got It” really showcases the duo’s signature sound of experimental pop and doo-wop vocals.
♩ Cults – We’ve Got It [from Static]
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