Two Very Different Things

Joan As Police Woman “Eternal Flame” – No, sorry, it’s not a Bangles cover. There’s a strange tension in this song – it seems to tip back and forth between serenity and turmoil, leading to a feeling of emotional seasickness. Extending that nautical metaphor just a bit further, the entire composition is anchored in place by these calm, lovely low harmonies that contrast nicely with the pretty but jittery lead vocal. (Click here to buy it from Joan As Police Woman.)

The Long Blondes “Weekend Without Make Up” – This is a very well written song, but it makes me wish that they hadn’t played up the new wave musical signifiers so much, because I feel like the composition is getting lost in a lot of stylization that possibly pegs the band as behind-the-curve retro plunderers. Still, there’s no arguing with the chorus, and the arrangement suits that bit very well. After all, there’s a good chance that they just want you to pogo to it, and if that’s the case, it’s well enough. (Click here to buy it from Record Store UK.)

Elsewhere: Oh my God, what has this bizarre trailer for a new tv show for kids done to my mind??? (Don’t forget to check the mp3s on that page too.)