August 14, 2010

Harlem - Hippies (2010)

Harlem are experts at bashing out simple, fuzzy pop songs and I can't get enough. Luckily for me, Hippies is packed with 16 of these garage pop nuggets. They're simple, rough, and most of all, catchy, often built around a paired riff and chorus. Once captured, they bounce onto the next succinct idea. Songs like "Tila And I" recall the snarling '60s garage rock of the Seeds or Standells, while "Be Your Baby" sounds like the late 50's pop of Buddy Holly. They even throw in some touches of surf and beach rock on "Spray Paint". It's not all upbeat, but my favorite tracks are. Sure, the slightly nasal vocals aren't for everyone. It may not be polished, but its fun and I can't help but be drawn in when they bash away at simple pop song like "Scare You".


3 Comments:

awmercy said...

Plus, this Austin band gives Portland a shout out on "Tila And I".

Mona said...

Thanks for this! I'm definitely on a fuzzy indie pop kick myself this summer, this will fit in very nicely. While I definitely enjoyed that video, I can't help but want to drive over their and punch them in the faces. But why? ha

Mona said...

Thanks for this! I'm definitely on a fuzzy indie pop kick myself this summer, this will fit in very nicely. While I definitely enjoyed that video, I can't help but want to drive over there and punch them in the faces. But why? ha