I've been listening to a lot of instrumental music lately. but let's not get caught up in that, the absence of vocals from these songs is hardly the most striking thing about them:

Cricket Engine - "Bonola Bars"

Any similarities to Ratatat are only positive and not derivative. Immediately you're invited in by a very poppy melody (one that could just as easily have been arranged with handclaps, tambourine, and ba-ba-ba's) and sit down in the living room of the song. Surrounded by people you know (the glitch) you feel safe and welcome. Then, at 1:17, the scenery out the window begins to move. The house is a car (the song is a promenade) and you pass by all the things you purchased in the last week. Some groceries, a pen, too much ginger ale, and some placemats for your table. I like this song, it says to me: "think about your life, but not too hard."

[their site]

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Cheval de Frise - "La Lame Du Mat I"

A french duo, thought broken up, but not. Some people say Don Caballero and Gastr del Sol, I say Explosions in the Sky with broken amps and vinyl strings. I used to be really scared of farm animals, because when I went on a tour of the Experimental Farm (not as bad as it sounds) an older kid told me not to pet any of the animals: "Buddy, that horse will fuck you up." this song brings me back.

[Buy their 2004 full-length]

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ALSO: I'd like to apologise for no post yesterday. Jordan e-mailed me from a blackberry in New Haven, but I wasn't checking my e-mail. So as recompense, here is one song reviewed in as much of Jordan's style as I can muster:

Nina Simone - "Marriage Is For Old Folks"

Marriage: Hey, Nina, what's up?

Nina Simone: Who are you callin' a quitter?

Watch how Ms. Simone bounds down the steps of a great cathedral, white gown catching on ill-kept steps, tearing away to reveal tight sequined nightclub dress and radio mic.

two needless analogies further illustrating the singer's independence

1. Nina Simone : one man | as | Garrison Keiller : a story not about cottages

2. Nina Simone : livin' free | as | Errol Flynn : cocaine

My editor doesn't like the repetition of "two people sentenced for life"; more creativity could've been employed. I half agree, but am snapping along too loud to notice.

[Buy]