Of Love and Pompadours

I have not forgotten you, Janelle Monae!

True Loves

Hooray for Earth: "True Loves"
 I'd be inclined to call these guys 'the poor man's Cut Copy'...except that they can definitely hold their own without succumbing to the irritating tendencies that plague other indie-electro/synthpop bands (namely, the desire to emulate instead of innovate--Owl City, I'm looking at you).  Yes, they sound kinda like MGMT circa "Oracular Spectacular," with a dash of Depeche Mode thrown in--and I have to admit it took me two listens before I got past this--but in the end it's like following a line of influence rather than watching a crap attempt at identity-theft implode.  They can be a little over-blown at times, but over-all I like it.  But can someone please tell me what the hell is on the cover?  It is keeps looking at me, and I'm starting to get a little creeped out.

Something Old, Something New

Secret Cities: "Pink Graffiti"

Like a darker cousin to Grizzly Bear's "Veckatimest," this 2010 album rolls along on vocal harmonies and guitar jangle, bringing to mind the first reaches of Autumn--all gray and green and a little disquieting, even in all of its sunny splendor. 

(Secret Cities released their second album last month--also worthy of purchase.)

Brian Olive: "Two of Everything"

Brian Olive, formerly of the Greenhornes, releases his second album--produced by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys--tomorrow.  He brings to the table everything from Dr. John to T. Rex, and it somehow all comes together in an insane mix of synth, guitar, and horns.  It's a vaguely prog-y mash of garage rock and anything else he could think of--and somehow it works.  (I can't even begin to explain it.)