Just a quick one today, Five Songs is on the road!
Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet, "You Spin Me Round '86"
Surf-ish instrumental band Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet are probably best known as the band who did the theme song for Kids In The Hall. That's a bit of a shame, as they put together three very strong albums. Strong enough that at one time, underground luminary Steve Albini called them the best band recording. Anyway, thoroughly charming and full of personality, their albums are all worth giving a try, with Dim The Lights, Chill The Ham being my favorite.
Presidents of the United States of America, "So Lo So Hi"
I guess we're doing long band names today. The Presidents are known as basically a one-hit wonder ("Lump"), depending on what you think about "Peaches". Or, if not a one-hit wonder, as a novelty band. They're really neither, instead playing loose, goofy rock, with plenty of storytelling and fun. Sort of a spiritual heir to the Young Fresh Fellows, silly without being a novelty act. Their first two albums are both really good, and their discography has other fun stuff in it.
Lamb, "Five"
I remember buying this album, and don't really remember listening to it. I like this! Nice work, shuffle.
The Supremes, "(The Man With The) Rock And Roll Banjo Band"
There's something truly delightful about a song that's about how dreamy a banjo player is.
Fucked Up, "Led By Hand"
Canadian hardcore band (shut up!) Fucked Up have been making bigger and bigger records, with this coming from Glass Boys, their most recent record. How you feel about Fucked Up probably comes down to what you think about the vocals - if you don't mind the delivery, they're great.