Today's featured shit

An excellent use of keyboards, In Silico swing every which way they can on “Pendulum.” “Propane Nightmares” must be about when Hank Hill goes on vacation, and Buck Strickland goes and fucks up the store, but there’s no way to tell because the music is mixed too high for the lyrics to be understandable. It’s OK. This music is designed to be played between bands at clubs. It’s really great stuff, promise. The nice thing is that you’ll know right away whether you like it.

These songs are all really long. “Midnight Runner” exemplifies the distinct mid-90s feel of the entire album. Remember when industrial was popular? That. However, it uses drum machines in a more… maybe not jungle… but definitely not in the clove smoking way that Assemblage 23 would inspire. The random keyboard in this track has a distinctly Bemani feel and makes me want to take the glow sticks out of the time capsule.

“Different” offers more of the same, but that’s fine. The music strokes very well. The lyrics are more audible on this track, and it paints a fun story. All in all, more electronic goodness. My girlfriend says there is a complete lack of rage, almost as if Dave Grohl were singing. I like that.

Yes, Virginia, there is a genre called “nerdcore.” He is it, and it is him, slim with a tilted pocket protector.

A little bit of everything, like when Homer Simpson ate sushi for the first time, is what you get on “Final Boss.” “Socks On” sounds like a serious song with a sound-alike Beyonce, so if you want to play something with a beat, give this a shot. It plays both kinds of music: rhythm and blues.

“The AM Radio Skit” is cute. It’s just them talking, but it has Schaffer the Darklord in it. Get a load of the Darklord. You know you want to.

“Listen Close” is your standard clever lyrics rap song. There are several of these on here, actually. It’s not just Eminem without swearing. There is some real intelligence here.

I enjoy and recommend “Wallflowers” because it goes on about Margaret Thatcher. Nothing is hotter than her, especially in this song. Plus “whom” is used correctly in the lyrics, as opposed to the use of “her” in the previous sentence. Did I mention there is a track called “Tongue-Clucking Grammarian”? There is. “Cluck U” may be long gone next to the SCU campus, but at least they saved the tongue.

This compilation has something for everyone. I keep listening to “Passenger” by Brazos, and I keep thinking something happened to Ben Folds’ ability to write lyrics. They’re just not that inspiring. But most of the tracks are pretty good.

Lucky Dragons’ “To Lilly at Age 15 20 25” is much better than Martina McBride’s “This One’s for the Girls.” You know, she sings little secret messages to women of different ages. I’d much rather listen to Lucky Dragons. It’s got great synths that blend in the background and do what danceable music should do: repeat. I am sure Lilly is going to be just fine.

The Wingdale Community Singers sing in multipart harmony and really sound like a community of singers. Perhaps when the folk singer/songwriter takes a break in December at the farmers market these guys can take her place, singing Christmas carols or holiday songs or whatever they’re called these days.

The Muslims have nothing to do with Barack Obama, natch, but “Inside Job” reminds me of a calmed down Billy Idol with keyboards in the background. I would totally dance with myself if this song were playing. It’s just so damn catchy.

How did I miss this when it came out last year? This album, like everything Club 8 does, is fantastic. Perfect for rainy days, you get 12 tracks of dreamy vocals and contemporary music. When your grandpa wants to know at Thanksgiving what you’re listening to these days instead of Benny Goodman, rip this one out while he rips one of his own.

“In the Morning” reminds me of a cover of “I’m Into Something Good” by Herman’s Hermits. It wasn’t Club 8, but it sounded like them. The Internet has nothing about this. I don’t understand. It was great! Some twee act…. Bah. Can’t remember. “Sometimes” is not a Britney Spears cover. It reminds me of Lush, with the (apparent) drum machine used on the track. Did you ever wish that Lush collaborated with Electronic circa 1991? Then this is the song for you! All it needs is Bernard Sumner.

The title track is also nice because it has harmonizing on it. You can’t go wrong with that. Those that like early Dido (1990s) will like this song. The tambourine is a nice touch. It’s a very breathy song for those of you who are into that. Definitely one of the best albums I’ve heard in a long time.

You can tell this band has been together since 2001 because it sounds as if they have not evolved, developed or any other verb that implies personal growth or metamorphosis. They’re definitely good at what they do, though, so if you’re into writing long sentences without punctuation and being upset about Jack in the Box closing the doors at 9:59 instead of 10 p.m., then this could be the band for you.

“In the Palace of TVs and Chairs” reminds me of Bush’s “Ex-Girlfriend.” It was my favorite song on “6teen Stone” because it was the shortest. “Shake” sounds a bit more modern, and I can get behind it. Most of the rest of the songs just meander along with a lot of loud guitar and forgettable lyrics. This album is great if you live in the suburbs, and your mom won’t let you use Facebook because you begged for two years to get on MySpace, and now she wants you to stick with that so you don’t think you can give up on something you worked so hard to be able to do.

I also like “Lullay.” I guess the letter “B” signifies quiet. I wonder whether this band ever performs sober. Or in front of more than eight people. I really, really doubt it.