Misha - "Shake a Little Looser" [mp3 removed by label request]

This is the only "strummy" song on Misha's Teardrop Sweetheart, but it's definitely the best. It's handmade quality is what sets it apart from the other blippy, disco-y songs (which are often good too, but not like this). He's got that George Harrison echo, and simple simple structure, but it's those little flicks, those little melodic winks, like the way your favourite person says your name, it's such a comfortable sound, so comfortable it makes you shiver. And the way this song ends, though understated, is what makes it great; it knows to give up right when the last word is said. It's so nice it's almost enviable. [Buy]

--

Liars - "The Other Side of Mt. Heart Attack (Single Version)"

My ears can't really hear anything except this today. If you tried to call me, I'd answer (I have it on vibrate) but I wouldn't know when you were talking. If I saw you on the street, I'd think you were rude, like you were flapping your mouth in some sort of gesture of ridicule. I shouldn't try to cross the street or ride my bike, I certainly couldn't go to a movie or a guest lecture, or join in on the "Simon Says" tournament in the park. No, today I can only listen to this song, with its beat like giant swaying redwoods, its treble-y, almost hissy vocals like a coarse whisper. And I love the ambiguity of the lyrics, it sounds less like an offer of support, If you need me, I can always be found, and more like an admission of weakness, like he's disappointed in himself, that he'll always be there. [Buy]