Last Week’s Jams, Today (3.28 – 4.1)

Weirdly, I felt like I didn’t cover too much last week, but apparently we got in at least 15 new songs, plus a few extras. I’m getting pickier in my old age, but mostly just figure you read Stereogum first, so no need to cover what they’re covering in their Premature Ejaculation column. I started out this week’s playlist with a cover from Screaming Females, but bookend it with the OG from The Selecter, cuz why the fuck not. Our friends Humdrum had a new hit, and that glorious Papercuts LP finally dropped in. It’s Monday, and there’s jams…I’m just over here listening to the first wave British ska.

The Holiday Crowd Return with Party Favours

We haven’t heard from Holiday Crowd in quite some time, but boy is this new single a welcome return. The group just dropped new of a new 7″ for Shelflife Records, and the A-side is the sort of slinky-jangle pop nod, toying with a hint of croon to the vocals. In a way, it’s kind of a Sarah Records influenced take on Two Wheels Good-era Prefab Sprout, which should hopefully catch your ears. The jangles aren’t over the top, but the melodic charm of the chorus really helps sell the sound here, particularly when pace is added to the vocals giving the song that sort of swirling allure. Party Favours 7″ is out on April 15th.

New from The Holiday Crowd

holidaycrowdIf you’re looking for some bouncing pop that has that historical lean towards everything we loved about the 80s, then look no more because the Holiday Crowd is here for you.I think the biggest piece of this track where folks will fall in love is the semi-croon in the vocals, reminiscent of the Moz. I love the contrast between the twinkling guitar work and the deep bobbing tones of the bass guitar; it’s a nice twist on the influences that make all indiepop songs enchanting. The band’s self-titled record is being released by the uber-reliable Shelflife on December 9th.

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Premiere: Indiepop Goodness from The Holiday Crowd

holidaycrowdYou probably want to deny it at this point, but you love the Smiths. In a way, that’s important to note here, as there are some vocal turns in this brand new track from The Holiday Crowd that look at the Moz. Still, the musical quality provides you with a peppier spirit…the staple of great indiepop. I think at the moment as I play this tune, I’m finding all these little secret bits to love, such as the hi-hat work hiding beneath the mix at the throughoutthe song. Or, the “ha ha ha” that breaks out just after the 3 minute mark; this song is filled with bits of nuance that make the song last in your mind, like all great tracks. Shelflife Records will release the Holiday Crowd LP on October 21st, and it will sell out!

Fresh Indiepop from The Holiday Crowd

holidaycrowdIt’s probably best that I start off our Friday tunes with this recent number from The Holiday Crowd, although I think a lot of us can probably put it on our nightly playlist. I mean, that guitar sound makes it hard for me not to pull a “it sounds a lot like Orange Juice” card, but come on, there couldn’t be anything better…in my opinion. It’s got a little stomp, a little shuffle, ultimately making you feel good to be alive. So happy Friday and look for the band’s next release on Shelflife sometime in the nearest future.

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