What’s New at Pure Pop: Sarah’s picks

In need of some stellar  summer tunes?  Come check out what’s on sale in the listening stations at Pure Pop!

Perhaps you’ve heard the first single, “Pumped Up Kicks,” from Foster the People‘s debut album, Torches. The punchy bass line and catchy melody of “Pumped Up Kicks” are characteristic of Torches, which will appeal to fans of Peter Bjorn and John or Franz Ferdinand. This will be your guilty pop pleasure of 2011.

Here’s another great track, “Helena Beat,” from Torches:

 

 

 

Fitz and the Tantrums’ debut LP, Pickin’ Up the Pieces, errs on the funkier side of things. Combining equal parts rock and  soul influences, Pickin’ Up the Pieces is 36 minutes of breathless, uptempo groovy fun. Fans of Sharon Jones and the  Dap Kings or Wanda Jackson will dig this album.

While Pickin’ Up the Pieces’ first track, “Breakin’ the Chains of Love”, has received the most attention over the airwaves, “Don’t Gotta Work It Out” is just as good. Check it out in this awesome live performance:

 

Herb’s Best of 2010

Rookie of the Year Award

Twin Shadow – Forget
I really like everything about this album. George Lewis Jr has a beautiful voice and write terrific songs. Forget features a thrilling production that recalls ENO’s early albums and 80’s Indie Rock. Let’s hope the next one is even better!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyO7P6LE7nA

Old-Timer Award

Paul Weller – Wake Up the Nation

Paul Weller is a dinosaur. He recorded his first album on a fucking pterodactyl. Nonetheless, Wake Up the Nation isn’t merely 2010’s best album from an elder-statesman of music, it’s one of the year’s best hands-down. Just listen to this gem, featuring production from My Bloody Valentine’s Kevin Shields.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0i6L1Q9kzU

Continue reading Herb’s Best of 2010