god help the girl - new stuart murdoch project

God Help the Girl - An Introduction

I bought my first Belle and Sebastian record when I was in eighth grade. If You’re Feeling Sinister came to define what good pop music sounded like, even before I knew there was such a thing called “twee.” Now I listen back to all those songs from the first few Belle & Sebastian albums with such fondness, that it is impossible to imagine liking a band any more than that.

But, quite honestly, I felt a little let down with Dear Catastrophe Waitress, and downright disappointed with The Life Pursuit. It wasn’t until the recent BBC Sessions were released that I remembered why I loved B&S so much, without all the oppressive Elephant 6 style freak-outs that have characterized the last two records.

God Help the Girl is Stuart Murdoch’s new project, and from what I’ve heard so far, I am reminded of some of my favorite B&S songs of times past, of simple pop music with beautiful instrumentation and even more beautiful melodies. The songs are from three different “characters” created by Murdoch (how Stephin Merritt of him), who solicited a few female singers through an ad in the paper (and, more accurately, through friends of friends) to sing in the style of 60s girl groups and classic pop, all backed by members of B&S.

I’m very excited to hear the rest of the songs from this new project. The single for “Come Monday Night” is due out May 11, and the rest of the album is set to release on June 22.

Download:
God Help the Girl - "Come Monday Night"

the housemartins - take jesus—take marx—take hope

The Housemartins - Caravan of Love

I told myself I wasn't going to post an entry for Christmas songs, but these aren't even Christmas songs! (Speaking of Christmas songs, the School have a great song up on their Myspace.) And plus, how could I almost forgot about everyone's FAVO(U)RITE Jesus-loving 80s British pop band: the Housemartins!!

The Housemartins formed in 1983 in Hull, England. After some line-up changes, the band put out a good number of popular singles with their new bassist, the future Fatboy Slim (REALLY). Lead singer Paul Heaton (also of the Beautiful South) wrote lyrics to reflect his, er, unique blend of Christianity and Marxism, followed through by SUPERB choreographed dance routines (check those out for the "Happy Hour" and "Sheep" videos and a little in the video posted above).

"Caravan of Love," a cover of an Isley Jasper Isley song, reached #1 on the Christmas charts of 1986. "Heaven Help Us All," composed by Ron Miller and most famously performed by Stevie Wonder, never saw any official Housemartins release but was recorded for a BBC Peel Session. This version is from the collection of rarities limited to 110 copies called Raise the Flag.

I think the Housemartins are totally cheesy, but also pretty great. Their songs are sappy but not overly Jesus-y. Instead they adopt a sense of optimism, hope and caring for the common man. What a lovely Christmas message.

Download:
The Housemartins - Heaven Help Us All
The Housemartins - Caravan of Love

comet gain - collection of new songs, rarities, singles

Few jangle pop bands have been around for as long as Comet Gain, and few are able to pull of that line between London cool and noisy fuzzed-out guitars so well. More easily compared to jangle pop stalwarts like the Clientele, the Go-Betweens or other moody crooners, somehow Comet Gain goes beyond that standard definition and just makes some really great songs that defy that categorization. I think they remind me of Beat Happening in that way, switching off between male and female vocals, there is always a surprise mixed in somewhere.

That’s where Comet Gain’s new single, “Love Without Lies,” fits in—a little dark, super melodic, and really fun, it has all the makings of a great pop song. It is easily one of my favorite Comet Gain songs ever, and definitely one of my favorite singles of the year.

You can order the 7” from Twee as Fuck, or get the whole album of new songs, rarities, singles and B-sides called Broken Record Prayers from Milou Studios.

Download:
Comet Gain - Love Without Lies
Comet Gain - You Can't Hide Your Lover Forever