Shocking Pinks - Double Vision Version (video)

Cryptic and sensual, Shocking Pinks, latest single is the sort of song you crave from a group like this. Double Vision is quite literally two competing tonal themes working harmoniously together. The drums erupt in stuttering bursts, reminiscent of Kanye's Paranoid, before giving way to an infectious, off kilter bass groove. It seems like the beginning of a stark disco track, but before long the whole tune is echoing with liquid guitars and synths. This combination of dance music and atmospheric sounds is nothing new for Shocking Pinks, its simply that it works so well here. This is a tune I can't get enough of, and whether there is another version of Double Vision or not, this is only one that matters. Its time to let go of the winter and slink in the Spring, and what better way to do so than with this mopey, club banger:

Yumi Zouma - Alena

New Zealand Soft Pop conduits, Yumi Zouma, explore a danicer realm with their latest single, Alena. The fluttering guitar lines are not so much abandon, as they are put to the side here, while room is made for some swollen string patches and bouncy piano chords. Its very easy on the ears and reminds me a little of Air France. Elements of House, Disco, and Dream Pop are stewed together in this crock:

The Drums - I Can't Pretend

New Drums single. Affected affection on display in this sparkly, straight forward tune. Dig:

Merchandise - Enemy (video)

A new cut from the upcoming After The End, is a punchy, acoustic-heavy display. With a riff reminiscent of Panic, or Last of the International Playboys, or Ryan Adams, Merchandise yet again prove their penchant for crafting catchy melodies. The video is a dramatic journey through an ancient theater and then the dark underbelly of a rural laundromat. Its all black and white and jaw lines, but totally worth a watching:

Spoon - Do You

Spoon return with a excessively catchy, strum-heavy new single. Sounding like the beginning half of Smashing Pumpkins 1979 hook, with a familiar, masterfully sharpened Spoonish melody. I feel like Spoon are sometimes overlooked simply because their name is so unassuming. Yet, they're one of the most consistently well produced, thoughtful rock-n-roll song writers in the game, today. Do you, dare?:

Palisades - This Is The Nite

Look Back In Anger: Not much info on this gem from 64.' The Palisades, who I'm assuming came from Jersey, slink out a an easy going ballad to the night, in a familiar Doo Wop'd tone. An interesting note about this single is its release date from 1964, squeaking in just before most Doo Wop became old news with The Beatles American arrival. Take a listen to this throw back and if you really dig have a wander on over to the B-side, Relic Rock.

David Bowie - Love Is Lost (Hello Steve Reich Mix by James Murphy)

Showcasing his mastery of threading synthesized melodies and unusual beats, James Murphy needlepoints one of David Bowie's latest singles into a slow-building, dark-disco opus. Beautifully unassuming, a round of applause morphs into a trance inducing beat, while a square-wave synth gesticulates under Bowie's horse vocals. Its a wondrous thing; tune in: