♫ Best Coast – Boyfriend (MP3)

At the forefront of the lo-fi dreamy 60s style pop movement is Best Coast (he says with AUTHORITY haha). When I first heard this, I was convinced she was singing about a girl and was completely thrilling over it (in the way that anytime any alternative music offers anything non-hetero I get excited) – ‘I wish she was my boyfriend’. But I was soon proven wrong in the verses with her use of male pronouns and realised that the coupling of the words ‘wish’ and ‘he’ was deceiving my ears! Still a great pop song but could have been better if it was about a girl – Ha!

♫ Kisses – Midnight Lover (MP3)

Of all the great Kisses songs to come out so far, this is my favourite. There’s something I fall in love with whenever I hear a low male vocal that’s tinged with sadness. I love the chorus – it’s so simple and so sweet – and classically romantic (maybe not for the veggies though) ‘I would like to take you out, for a nice steak dinner – just me and you.’ Again, that 80s feeling similar to Depeche or Duran!

♫ Wild Nothing – Chinatown (MP3)

This track is so rich sounding it almost doesn’t sound electronic. Wild Nothing’s lofi electronic noisefest is so delicate and echoey it’s an instant charmer. I love songs that talk about fog!

♫ The Books – A Cold Freezin Night (MP3)

This is verging on the sound of insanity – repetitive beats, and noises along with the strangest vocal clips from children.  But there’s something completely compelling about the un-actualised children’s threats of violence that’s addictive and actually verging on cute! Also CHECK OUT THE AMAZING VIDEO!

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♫ Drinking Electricity – Breakout (MP3)

Minimal electronics and guitars twinned with dispassionate female vox from this 80s twisted pop duo from Scotland.  Strange and wonderful!

♫ Barbara & Brenda - If I'm Hurt You'll Feel The Pain (MP3)

NOW for something completely different! A bit of classic 60s soul. I love how in soul, you're allowed to say something as amazing as 'If I'm Hurt You'll Feel The Pain' - you just don't get pop music like that now. I thrill when she says 'but that's just one of man's rules' - YES - MANZ RULEZ SUCK! x