Vampire Weekend, "Unbelievers"
Vampire Weekend's third album was a return to form to my ears. Contra was a little bit too scattered, and sounded a little bit tired, and just didn't quite hang together. But Modern Vampires of the City had some of that ineffable charm back, with this song serving as a good example. This could easily have gone on the debut album, and that's a high complement.
Flying Saucer Attack, "Rainstorm Blues"
Hmmm. I wonder what I've said about Flying Saucer Attack in the past? I'm sure I had opinions. I am also not going to look. I shouldn't have to do all the work here! I tag these things, go look it up yourself!
Bear vs. Shark, "Ma Jolie"
Y'all, I have no idea how I came to own this record. I like this song! And it gets worse: I have TWO records by Bear vs. Shark! You'd think I would remember that name. Anyway, these records are from the early 2000s, and...uh, I dunno, I guess I liked them enough to get both of their albums?
Feel great about this one today, you know?
Thee Speaking Canaries, "Guitar Strings For a Holocaust"
Pittsburgh super group Thee Speaking Canaries featured Damon Che (Don Caballero) on guitar (instead of drums) and Karl Hendricks (Karl Hendricks Trio) on bass (instead of guitar). It was kind of a lark, but with a couple of people this talented, it couldn't help but be decent. It ends up being pretty straightforward indie rock, but the tunes are good, and you can do a lot worse.
Queens of the Stone Age, "Make It Wit Chu"
See, this song is what I kind of wish that Eagles of Death Metal would be.