CSS: making this summer even better

CSS is putting out their new album, Donkey, in July. This is the cover.

And here’s a link to download their first single “Rat is Dead (Rage).” And I thought this summer couldn’t get any better than what I’ve already got going on.

death cab’s ‘narrow stairs’: better than a latte

While we were at Starbucks yesterday morning, Trish decided to purchase the new Death Cab for Cutie CD, Narrow Stairs. I was surprised that we a) were purchasing a non-digital album and b) that it was from Starbucks, but whatever. I listened to it three and a half times last night while putting neon quote bubble tags on stuff we’re selling at a “yard sale party” tomorrow and was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t suck. Not that I’ve ever really though Death Cab sucked. In fact, I’m more like one of those “old school” fans who gets turned off when a favorite band gets big–damn “The O.C.”–which is actually pretty stupid. I wasn’t a huge fan of Plans (although I secretly listened to “What Sarah Said” on repeat in my car–when I had it.)

Fun fact: album art by ee storey, of tegan and sara design fame

From what I can tell, the new album is much better overall than Plans, though I’m not really into the single, “I Will Possess Your Heart.” There are much better (and shorter) tracks, like “You Can Do Better Than Me” and “Long Division,” though the guitar on the latter sounds just like it does on “We Laugh Indoors,” from Photo Album. (I know this because my pug’s middle name, Guinevere, is from that song. Yes, my pug has a middle name and yes it’s from a Death Cab song. So what?)

get into: heloise and the savoir faire

I’ve been listening to their new album, Trash, Rats and Microphones since last night. You should be, too.

paint it gold

Trish took this photo somewhere in Wicker Park today and I thought it was just one genius sticker. But then I was reading Perez Hilton (which I’m guilty of doing now and then–like anyone else), and saw this post, which shows the Gym Class Heroes singer wearing the shirt. I then resorted to Googling (of course) to discover it’s not just a random sticker, but the name of Atmosphere’s new album. Clearly, the naming of this CD was able to spawn some highly effective advertising (the album debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s Top 200).

You wanna rumble in my jungle, I’ll take you on

I went to review Robyn last night at Park West, instead of going to Milwaukee to see Tegan and Sara for the 10th time, and was actually really happy with my decision. It was nice to check out someone whose CD I’ve been into lately (great for the gym or before going out). However, I wasn’t sure the live performance would very good–but I was wrong. She really does deserve all the hype she’s been getting lately.