Tag: pains of being pure at heart

Kissing Party Share Graceless Video

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When I first turned on this new track from Kissing Party, there was something instantly gratifying in the rhythm section; the snappiness of it all reminded me of early Drums tracks, endearing and energetic. As the song progresses, the vocals enter nonchalantly, offering listeners a sort of pop version of what Blank Dogs were doing back a few thousand years ago. The song carries this lightness and indifference, seemingly tied into the concept of the song, so it all fits absolutely perfectly. Honestly, if you missed the OG Pains of Being Pure at Heart, this is the tune for you to turn all the way up. They’ve got their Graceless album dropping today, so go listen to that as well!

Another Great Massage Tune

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This Massage LP better not sell out before I get paid, though admittedly, it should definitely be on everyone’s radar. The latest single has this wistful vibe, something akin to a movie scene where the passenger stares longingly out a window hoping/praying for a better day than today…or at least that’s how I’m hearing it. Plus, the jangles and the synths give the song this wash that sounds incredibly similar to Another Sunny Day’s “You Should All Be Murdered,” and that is 100% reason alone to steam this song and tap your toes. I mean, how many great songs can this band write? We’re going to find out when Still Life drops on June 25th.

Yesterday’s Massage Video

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We’ve definitely been supporting Massage on their new LP, careful to throw in only the appropriate Pains of Being Pure at Heart references where applicable. Here we are a day late on their new video for the record’s first single, which is the opening track on Still Life. For me, this tune is all about the juxtaposition of the varying guitar sounds that course through the song. At times they’ve got that disorienting fuzz, other times you get crisp circular jangles, at times both battling for air…and all of it dripped over a simply thunderous beat. Honestly, what’s amazed me the most about this record, or at least the singles, are how well balanced everything is…every guitar sound, drum beat, and vocal; its really a special treat for us all. Still Life is out in July via Mt. St. Mtn./Tear Jerk/Bobo Integral.

Another Single from Massage

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Bobo Integral is out there proclaiming that this Massage LP might be the best indiepop record of the year; while I’m pretty sure Glenn Donaldson might have something to day, I think that’s reason enough to give an added push to the sounds. Clearly everyone involved isn’t far off, particularly with the sort of soft pop underbelly of this tune; this gives you sort of that dreaming whimsy, that smiling as you stare longingly out the window feels. Twinkling guitar notes and some great arrangement really do make you feel like this could be the stellar indiepop record we were promised. Still Life is being supported by Bobo Integral/Tear Jerk/Mt. St. Mtn. on June 25th.

That New Massage Tune

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If you happen to be into the same style of jams as us, you’re likely to know there’s only a handful of sites covering some of these genres regularly, which is where this tune first popped up yesterday. Massage has former members of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, which to me shines through; you can imagine some of these tunes showing up as acoustic demos in the band’s practice space, taking notes from 80s UK indiepop (and some other nostalgic notes). Of course, we wouldn’t love a good slow burn if it didn’t feature delicate little touches of ringing in your ears rock n’ roll, placed delicately throughout so as to walk that tightrope between traditional pop and blends of shoegaze. Heavy hitter labels Mt. St. Mtn./Tear Jerk Records/Bobo Integral will help get Still Life out into the world on June 25th.

Goodbye Fortuna Pop: A Love Letter

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fortuna-pop-637x358Ever since I first started collecting music as a passion, I’ve always been one of those that blindly follows the labels I love; I buy anything they put out, whether or not I was initially impressed with what I heard…I trust these people. It probably started with Dischord, somehow merged into Saddle Creek and Vagrant…then the Internet exploded…and with that, so did my tastes. I had to find a new label to love…among those was Fortuna Pop. Read more

Hear the Title Track from Pains of Being Pure at Heart’s New EP

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painsI can’t lie about my adoration for Pains of Being Pure at Heart, especially as they’ve grown and changed throughout the years. The last two releases from the band, including their new Hell EP seem to have pulled back the shades on the band’s distortion-laden pop songs, leaving us with these undeniably catchy hooks. As I listen to “Hell” I can’t help but to see some similarities to the work of Orange Juice, filling the track with sensational grooves and a great vocal performance. How does one not fall in love with this track? Look for the EP at the end of this week, featuring two covers in addition to this tune.

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Hear the New Night Flowers B-Side

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nightflowersI really enjoyed the A-Side from Night Flowers, so it seems fitting that I would enjoy the B-Side, amirite? This track is a pretty polished pop number, peaking near the levels where we found Pains of Being Pure at Heart on their last album. The edges of shoegaze are removed to reveal crisp riffs and airy vocals that all pop fans will find touching. Feel like it’s got this wistful attitude that should take you perfectly into your weekend endeavors, whatever they may be; it’s all about that spirit. You can grab their Sleep // Sitting Pretty 7″ today in your local shoppes.

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Album of the Week: Fever Dream

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11112865_874968955878246_5594096018965500004_oI figured I’d pick a record that came out this week and give some love to a deserving LP that might not otherwise be on your radar.  This tune from Fever Dream‘s been floating around for me for some time, and their album Moyamoya is every bit as enjoyable as the tune below.  There’s an earnestness to the songwriting, whilst still giving a nostalgic nod at the forebears of shoegaze movements.  Remember when the Pains of Being Pure at Heart was all you could listen to after their first album? Well, then meet your next love…it’ll be great this week and beyond.

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Top 50 Albums of 2014

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TOP 50 ALB 14These lists are everywhere, so you’ll be excused if you just roll your eyes and skip on. But, that being said, we always seem to be way off the mark when it comes to our Top 50 Albums of the Year.  Sure, we have some of the sure fire hits on this list like Angel Olsen and Sharon Van Etten, but don’t even read on if you’re look ing to see where Run the Jewels made it…they’re not there. Sorry not sorry.  So, if you’re into arbitrary lists by people who like to push their own agenda, then this list is for you! Read more

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