Songs I can’t get out of my head: Vol. 2

Nico Vega

Nico Vega – Gravity
There’s no real way to capture the scintillating stage presence of frontwoman Aja Volkman, but Nico Vega tries their hardest with Aja signing “Whooooaaahh, you’re bringing me down” on this upbeat romp.

MGMT – Time To Pretend
Heavy on the synth with chanted vocals, MGMT lays it on the line stating, “let’s make some music / make some money / find some models for wives.” It’s a simple song about simple things – sex, drugs, and rock and roll – and my gosh, it’s catchy. As the Brooklyn band tours this fall with Of Montreal, one can only hope they’re as enchanting live.

Minipop – Like I Do
The San Francisco band’s first single off new album “A New Hope” (dropping November 6) is dreamy and wistful thanks to lead vocalist Tricia Kanne’s lightly soulful sound, but it’s the drums that keep this track popping.

Ghostland Observatory – Sad Sad City
On new disc “Paparazzi Lightning,” Ghostland Observatory comes across like a Franz Ferdinand / Dirty Vegas lovechild. The electro-disco sound of this track in particular is sleek and polished and makes you want to dance. (“Piano Man” is also a must-listen.)


Everything that’s old is new again
Songs you already own, worth playing once more


Shout Out Louds – The Comeback
The first track on 2005’s “Howl Howl Gaff Gaff” showcases the Swedish quintet at their most impossibly upbeat and forthright. Also worth checking out – the band’s new release, “Our Ill Wills,” which has some standout tracks including “Tonight I Have To Leave It” and “Impossible.”

Daft Punk – Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
Perhaps the “it” song of the moment, Kanye may owe it all to this French electrorock duo, who on this 2001 track bring clanging percussion and funky beats to their signature robot rock.