What song currently has you running to the cd/mp3 player when you need a lift, whose spot-on hooks and harmonies reconnect you to a world that at times may seem downright unkind?

For me, it is The Shins "Girl Inform Me". Oh sure, it's not particularly new (though it is ,relatively, to me), and there are some here who apparently have little love for said band ("fuck the shins"...?), but personally I find the confectionary vocal harmonies, jangly guitars and swirling organ fills on this song to be irresistable and downright life-affirming.

What song at the moment does it for you?

In a similar vein, I enjoy "Stream Running Over" and "I Can't Believe" by the Apples in Stereo.

Anything by Boy Least Likely To..

"Coffee & TV" by Blur. This song always cheers me up, especially when I watch the music video.

Country Air by the Beach Boys

A more recent one is Winters Love by Animal Collective.

quote:

Originally posted by b0arder753:
Anything by Boy Least Likely To..

Good shout! I'm very tempted to go with that myself.

At the moment though, Dog Problems, usually Time Bomb, is my go-to guy. Closely followed by The Spinto Band and Oh Mandy.

"Say that you love me" - Fleetwood Mac

"Broken up a ding dong" - The Beta Band

"Train in Vain" - The Clash

quote:

Originally posted by m. clayton:
What song currently has you running to the cd/mp3 player when you need a lift, whose spot-on hooks and harmonies reconnect you to a world that at times may seem downright unkind?

"Beltane Walk" by T. Rex. I'm listening to it right now (the first T. Rex CD in the computer) while looking at some bleak weather through my office window. This song always lifts my spirits automatically.

Archers of Loaf - Web in Front

Probably hasn't been a better two minutes of music ever recorded.

quote:

Originally posted by dano:
Archers of Loaf - Web in Front

Probably hasn't been a better two minutes of music ever recorded.

Love that song. You're 100% right. It's very close to being one of the most perfect indie rock songs ever.

quote:

Originally posted by ericg75:

quote:

Originally posted by dano:
Archers of Loaf - Web in Front

Probably hasn't been a better two minutes of music ever recorded.

Love that song. You're 100% right. It's very close to being one of the most perfect indie rock songs ever.

I haven't even heard of that. I will seek it out on your recommendation, then return to either praise or denigrate you.

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Originally posted by Borachon:
I haven't even heard of that. I will seek it out on your recommendation, then return to either praise or denigrate you.

It's from the early-to-mid 90s, I'd say. The Archers had some minor success, but never really made it huge. Frontman Eric Bachmann went on to form Crooked Fingers and also released a solo album this year. I'd be shocked if you didn't like this song. It's total ear candy.

quote:

Originally posted by ericg75:

quote:

Originally posted by dano:
Archers of Loaf - Web in Front

Probably hasn't been a better two minutes of music ever recorded.

Love that song. You're 100% right. It's very close to being one of the most perfect indie rock songs ever.

Yeah I was just thinking that there might not be an indie rock song I like more than that. I don't understand why more people don't listen to them today, especially with all the attention they got (in certain circles) back in the early 90s. I guess I should do my part and say that Icky Mettle is a great album and if you haven't heard it you should check it out, if only to hear "Web in Front".

quote:

Originally posted by m. clayton:
What song currently has you running to the cd/mp3 player when you need a lift, whose spot-on hooks and harmonies reconnect you to a world that at times may seem downright unkind?

What song at the moment does it for you?

No particular song but the first few Steely Dan records can do the trick. Nice mellowy jazz pop-rock songs with lyrics that won't bring me down any further.

As for something more recent, I turn to Camille. Love those femme French vocals. Can't understand what she's singing about but it's the shape of the sounds she vocalizes that lifts my spirits.

And again, any and all surf instrumentals are amazing healers.

It changes every few days, but at the moment...

Beachwood Sparks-"The Sun Surrounds Me"

Mine never really change, and there are a lot of them, but here are a few.

"No Myth" - Michael Penn
"A Little Respect" - Erasure
"Sick of Myself" - Matthew Sweet
"Fight Test" - Flaming Lips

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Originally posted by PRG:
"No Myth" - Michael Penn

Another one of my all time faves.

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Originally posted by timbo8:
"Coffee & TV" by Blur. This song always cheers me up, especially when I watch the music video.

To go along with the Blur thought, I must say that "Charmless Man" always lifts my spirits (the lyrics are somewhat depressing, but those pop hooks and "na na na"'s always keep me coming back for more).

Also, another song that is guaranteed to make me happy but is not necessarily pop is Grizzly Bear's "Colorado".

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Originally posted by ericg75:

quote:

Originally posted by PRG:
"No Myth" - Michael Penn

Another one of my all time faves.

Another one I've never heard!

Another I just thought of, "Me & Julio Down By the Schoolyard" by Paul Simon. Guaranteed to make you feel better!