Existensminimum - "Changing Lines"

You know how famous crooners will cover new songs in an "I'm a crooner" kind of way, with lots of brass instruments, and a tongue in their cheek? Well, two things about this song: i) it would sound so much like an ACTUAL song written by one of those guys, that it wouldn't have that kitshcy quality ii) it really OUGHT to be recorded as one, because I think it would be fantastic. Stephin Merritt, you should do it. All it needs in addition is more obvious running metaphors (or is it subway metaphors?) and a big vocal finish; it should go up instead of down.

That heartbeat, that pulse, is the constant pressing of the "inflate" button. [Buy]

Heypenny - "Parade"

If LCD Soundsystem didn't realise anyone was listening, or if that sequence where all the cards jump off the deck at the end of solitaire, were a song, it might sound like this. I feel like sitting up straight when I listen to this. Sometimes, the song goes and takes a swim (the pool is ten blocks away) and comes back. [Buy]

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Harry Truman, Candice Bergen, and Dylan; happy birthday.