Know by Heart

I wish The American Analog Set got more props for the cover art for their Know By Heart album. Indie rock conventions are easily mocked (just like those of pop stars), but I have a soft spot for exuding all the sentimental mushiness without the vocal trills and musical swells. That blank-faced, stare-at-the-ground veneer barely covers the pounding heart behind it, which gives even the laziest-sounding moments a real tension. And a quiet poignancy to this cover art that still gets me. Enough to warrant a 2-fer Tuesday from that modest-seeming album.

The American Analog Set — Million Young

The American Analog Set — Aaron And Maria

Going rogue wave

I made a pact with indie rock a long time ago. I will overlook shitty/mumbled/pointlessly obscure lyrics as long as the music is awesome enough to contain my attention and the singer's voice isn't too irritating. It's working out pretty well. And here's a good example. Thumbs up on the hooks and the lead vocal that falls nicely within my singalong range.

Rogue Wave - Are You On My Side