Pop Apocalypse is still alive!

Yes, I'm still here and listening to new music. Here are some of my early favorites of 2012 so far.


Nada Surf - The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy [Barsuk] --DOWNLOAD
Quickie Review: There is a reason Nada Surf have been writing pop songs since the early '90s: they're damn good at it. Even the weaker songs on their seventh album, The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy, are still better than most bands' attempts at the indie-pop genre.
Recommended Tracks: "Clear Eye Clouded Mind," "The Moon is Calling," "No Snow On The Mountain."

Tennis - Young and Old [Fat Possum] --DOWNLOAD
Quickie Review: Although their debut album, Cape Dory, only came out last year, Tennis have returned to the indie-pop game with their delightful follow-up album, Young and Old.
Recommended Tracks: "It All Feels The Same," "My Better Self," "High Road," "Take Me To Heaven."

Cursive - I Am Gemini [Saddle Creek] --DOWNLOAD
Quickie Review: Back with their seventh full length, Cursive's best years may be behind them, but if you're a true fan, you will still find something to love in Tim Kasher's signature anguished screams.
Recommended Tracks: "Warmer Warmer," "The Sun And Moon," "Twin Dragon / Hello Skeleton," "Eulogy for No Name."

Sleigh Bells - Reign of Terror [Mom+Pop] --DOWNLOAD
Quickie Review: There's no stopping Sleigh Bells, who have returned with their follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2010 debut, Treats. The duo has amped their sound up even more than anyone thought possible, with Alexis Krauss' sonic yelps and Derek Miller's guitar shrieks taking on a more '80s-friendly, dancey form this time around.
Recommended Tracks: "Born To Lose," "Leader Of The Pack," "Comeback Kid," "Never Say Die."

Hospitality - Hospitality [Merge] --DOWNLOAD
Quickie Review: When your music video features Alia Shawkat and you have perfect indie-pop tendencies, you're basically poised to be the next big thing, as is the case with Brooklyn's Hospitality. Too bad it's still winter, because this is one of the best spring records I've heard in a long time.
Recommended Tracks: "Eighth Avenue," "Friends of Friends," "The Right Profession," "All Day Today."

Cloud Nothings - Attack On Memory [Carpark] --DOWNLOAD
Quickie Review: Sometimes when certain bands are really hyped up, I avoid them before ever really giving them a chance. Case in point: Cloud Nothings. Shame on me, because Cloud Nothings sound like Kurt Cobain's little brother's band, if he stayed away from drugs and just stuck with the angst. In a word: perfection.
Recommended Tracks: "Wasted Days," "Fall In," "Stay Useless," "Separation," "Cut You."