"Girls whose tensions just kill you"

Thanks to satellite radio I have once again been able to hear more and more new music. One of the bands that I discovered and really enjoy is Asobi Seksu, a Japanese band from New York. Their 2006 album Citrus is a welcome exploration of shoegazer 17 years after the peek of bands like My Bloody Valentine, Ride, and Catherine Wheel. "Strings" is a great track that blends everything I like about the band -- great guitars, blissed out lyrics -- in two languages nonetheless -- and an intoxicating feeling.

Strings - Asobi Seksu

"I touched you at the soundcheck "

I saw Morrissey for the very first time in 1997 with a young band named Elcka. On this tour, Moz teased the audience with a handful of Smiths' tracks, nothing like today when he plays several classic tracks a night. Prior to the show, I was warned not to expect any Smiths songs, but in fact, got two, one of which is a personal favorite. "Paint a Vulgar Picture" off Strangeways Here We Come is one of the last great Smiths tracks recorded. Listening to it today takes me back to so many places -- junior year of high school (my first big Smiths exposure) and then again to that first Moz show in Philadelphia.

Paint a Vulgar Picture - The Smiths

"Hey Girl I thought we were the right combination"

Since I am focused on the 80s tonight, here's another classic remix from the 80s vault. This time we'll check out a Razormaid medley, specifically "The Poison Arrow Medley" by ABC. You know you remember the Gold Lame suit worn by front man Martin Fry in the video, but I'd like to think it was the song that scored with the public. After their initial success, the band scored hits with "Be Near Me", "When Smokey Sings", and "The Look of Love". This eleven minute plus medley captures the very best of ABC in a great club mix. Enjoy! By the way, Fry still wears the Gold Lame suit when touring....

The Poison Arrow Medley (Razormaid) - ABC

"In your dress, I confess, you’re the source of light."

Perhaps the best retro 80s song of the last ten years, Hugh Grant's toungue-in-cheek song, "Pop Goes My Heart" from the movie, Music & Lyrics, is a blissful listen. At this point, I am still not sure what is better -- the Wham-like video for the tune that is available on You Tube or the song itself, comprabale to anything in the Wham or Kajagoogoo catalog. Had it really been released in 1984, it would have been huge with the ladies and on the dance floor as the beat is perfect and the lyrics, witty and carefree. If you have not heard it yet, you need to listen to this briliant tune. Better yet, check out the video on You Tube, you'll thank me later.

Pop Goes My Heart - Pop featuring Hugh Grant