Tag Archives: Indie Rock

What we’re listening to now: The Rifle’s Spiral by The Shins

The lead off track from The Shins oddly unloved 2012 album, Port of Morrow (we really like the 80s vibe), “The Rifle’s Spiral” gallops out of the gate with irresistible pace and a calliope of retro-space age sounds.

Somewhat impenetrable, impressionistic lyrics (not a new characteristic for Shins’ frontman James Mercer) contribute both emotional punch and disorientation, as the song rushes by at a fleeting yet expansive 3:30. A great way to start an album. And the day.

Plug it into your Pandora or download it from iTunes or Amazon.

What we’re listening to now–Next Girl by The Black Keys

Heavy elctro-blues men The Black Keys know how to construct hooky but rugged tunes that do not get stale because they are not that sweet. “Next Girl” from 2010’s “Brothers” is good example of their gritty but pop-savvy sensibility. Check out the lyrics, wah-wah and thump. And remember, fellas: The look of the cake, it ain’t always the taste…

Plug it into your Pandora or download it from iTunes or Amazon.