On My iPod With The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart

On My iPod With The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart:

Cocoanut Groove
‘The End Of The Summer On Bookbinder Road’

These Swedes remind me of The Zombies, especially the lush orchestration and the production that somehow sounds like it was recorded in a dusty library somewhere rainy. Damn you, Sweden – you’re just TOO good!

Montgolfier Brothers
‘Even If My Mind Can’t Tell You’

This is one of my favourite songs of all time; it’s so beautiful and pure. If I were trying to express my feelings for someone on a mix tape, this song would be there for sure.

Mr. Wright
‘Hangover Square’
Again, one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. I don’t even know how to describe it, but it’s so perfect; I wish I could be this song, “We could leave this world behind, and build a shrine to love and beauty.”

Girls
‘Hellhole Ratrace’

A golden slice of perfect California pop by a band who I think (and hope) are poised for great things. It’s about 7 minutes long and every note is absolutely necessary.

Bat for Lashes
‘Daniel’

This song makes me feel like there’s hope for the human race. It is a thing of sheer, uncompromising wonder. If a human being can make a song like this, anything is possible.