Mikal Cronin: MCII

The D Man supports power-pop in all its permutations.  Slick, fuzzy, and everything in between, from The Lemonheads to Brendan Benson to Nada Surf.  I have really been digging on Mikal Cronin's fuzzied-out guitars on MCII, which never seem overrun his delightful melodies and hooks.

Song of the Week

Vampire Weekend just released their third album, Modern Vampires of the City.  Somehow, the band have made a record that is tighter, stranger, and arguably stronger than their first two classics.  The college kids have become adults; the arch insights have given way to arresting ruminations, heavy things like relationships, belief, and death.  All while still sounding like the most accessible pop band on earth.  Check out the lyric video for "Ya Hey."  (Yes, for you Old Testament fans and Bloom readers, that is a play on Yahweh).

Kurt Vile: Never Run Away

Kurt Vile's guitar-driven jams just seep into your consciousness.  The D Man cannot get enough of Wakin On A Pretty Daze, especially with the sun out and the windows down.  Check out the video for "Never Run Away," a series of Philly-is-my-town clips from the laid-back six-string king.

Wild Nothing: Empty Estate

Wild Nothing is releasing a seven-track EP titled Empty Estate.  In the wake of Nocturne, this is important news.  The video for "A Dancing Shell" is laid-back new wave and reminds The D Man of a track that would have appeared on Kidd Video.  Just for evoking that awesome Saturday morning experience, the track and video score a perfect ten.

Song of the Week

The D Man has been derelict in his duties.  There is some great stuff going on in music right now.  So I will be throwing up something new every day to make amends.  Check out the new video for "Sea of Love," a track from The National's forthcoming album, Trouble Will Find Me.  The concept is a homage to this punk rock favorite beloved by the band.  They are coming to town for Rip's birthday.  Happy brooding!