M83 - Steve McQueen

I just can't recognize myself
Tears of joy run all over my face
My sensations reach the limit
Nothing can hurt me today

There's a magic inside
Just waiting to burst out
The world is a goldmine
That will melt tomorrow

Living for, living for a thrill
Just waiting, just waiting!

Taking a little break from all the new/rare stuff we've posted lately. 2011's Hurry Up, We're Dreaming gave me two of my favorite songs. One of them is probably everyone's favorite M83 song ("Midnight City") so I'm making the lesser-played "Steve McQueen" today's Most Important. Alternate title (not really): "Carpe Diem!"

RIYL: Neon Indian, Phoenix, Phantogram, Purity Ring

Upcoming Shows

Fictionist - Manic

I'm thinking of you thinking of me
Thinking of you thinking of me
Always thinking...
Somewhere across town
I know you're having a day
While the shoulders of powerful men
In a casual way
Maybe you don't know
You make me nervous

Well, this act just blew a hole in any hubris I was gaining from my year of deep diving into indie and alt (and pop) rock. How had I never heard of Fictionist before? They're from a place I lived for years, they have toured with bands I like, their references and influences are top notch, they came in fourth in a Rolling Stone poll... WTH? Anyway, thankfully Spotify knew I'd like 'em and added their lead single ("Manic") from their newly released album (Sleep Machine) to my Radar. So fun! I've been able to listen to the whole album a few times through now (it's short!) and it's filled with gems and interesting sounds. I almost chose the dancier "Lazarus" or the title-I-adore "We Can Sleep When We Die" but this track hits those moments and swirls in a bit of chaos and is still pop-radio-ready (which is not a pejorative to me). Seems Fictionist is a band that likes to evolve and change with every album, and it's been fun to go backwards to listen to their 2014 and 2011 LPs, all good.

RIYL: Mutemath, MGMT, Paper Route, Phoenix

Upcoming Shows

The National - Graceless

Graceless
Is there a powder to erase this?
Is it dissolvable and tasteless?
You can't imagine how I hate this
Graceless
I'm trying, but I'm graceless
Don't have the sunny side to face this
I am invisible and weightless
You can't imagine how I hate this
Graceless
I'm trying, but I've gone
Through the glass again
Just come and find me
God loves everybody, don't remind me
I took the medicine when I went missing
Just let me hear your voice, just let me listen

It's been ten years since their 5th and breakout album Boxer, and four since their last (Trouble Will Find Me). Earlier this month, The National finally released a new single and announced when their next album, Sleep Well Beast, is coming: September 8th with supporting tour (across western Europe and northern North America). I decided just to include the new song as a bonus - to wait for the fall to add a new National track to our list. Still, with many of their older songs in my heavy rotation it was time to represent on here. 

RIYL: Interpol, Editors, Arcade Fire, Spoon