I Never Knew That Time Could Get So Far Away From Me

Electrelane “Bells” – Video treatment: All of the footage will be shot on a warm, sunny day in a large public park, preferably in the early summer. As the song begins, we see a lot of calm, quiet activity – people strolling, reading, having picnics, lying in the sun. The band ought to be the central figures at this point, if just because it’s their song and they are very attractive people. Scenes should change every other measure, and then every measure once the high-pitched keyboard lead comes in. There should be some hints of sun glare in the footage, but not too much just yet. When the guitar comes in, the editing should cut on the downbeat. The glare of the sun should become more prominent, and the action should be more physical – running, game playing, dancing, swimming. The glare and contrast should increase as the song reaches its climax, leaving us with a blown-out, mostly white or yellow image at the end, and the screen fades to white. (Click here to buy it from the Beggars Group.)

The Constellations “Let’s Face It, Our Kids Are Stupid” -In contrast to the more manic depictions of ADD in recent music (like, say, “Chief Inspector Blancheflower” by the Fiery Furnaces), this song seems to illustrate an inability to concentrate that is less severe and more common. The song shifts back and forth between a lethargic but serene instrumental and a jumpier section in which two vocal parts sung by the same voice compete for attention – one repeating the same thought, and the other chanting letters in a distracting sing-song. That part is catchy and light, but whenever the instrumental part kicks in, it feels like a relief. (Click here to buy it from Dominion Recordings.)