New Music - Gomez and Regina Spektor

And just like that, I’m back with two more records you will love.

Gomez – How We Operate

Best Song: Notice (Track #1)

Recommended tracks: How We Operate, Girlshapedlovedrug, Charley Patton Songs, Cry On Demand

Why It’s So Good: Gomez have been around for a decade now and have a half-dozen records. Therefore I’m fairly late to the party on this one, but good music is good music and I’m not going to argue there.

The music itself is sort of a raw Fountains of Wayne, heavy pop with some great hooks, lyrics, and melodies. I’m a big fan of good, ‘meaningful’ pop (if that makes any sense), and this is some great stuff. 

The best part about their music is the differing lead singers and songwriting styles. While “Notice” is the best thing I’ve heard from them, period, they still have some amazing tracks.

Regina Spektor – Begin to Hope

Best Song: Fidelity (Track #1 – I got a thing for those Track 1’s, I tell ya)

Recommended Tracks: Better, Samson, On the Radio, That Time, Edit

Why It’s So Good: This woman has come out of nowhere to truly show me how far “progressive jazz” can go. If that repulses you (I don’t care much for Jazz, as uncool as that is), worry not. This jazz-pop infusion is infectious. She takes a lot of inspiration from Ella Fitzgerald, particularly on the uber-opener Fidelity.

You can hear this super track on Regina's myspace page. Give it about 45 seconds and tell me it isn’t brilliant. (Listen to all 45 too—the chorus is where it’s at).

Otherwise, her sensitive delivery and powerful lyrics are great. Samson is fantastic and That Time is silly fun. Both of them work great.

Now, go find and download these records. They’re both available on iTunes as you read this.

Oh I cut his hair myself one night
A pair of dull scissors in the yellow light