Howe Gelb & a Band of Gypsies - "Blood Orange". Howe Gelb begins this song as if accepting a dare. The first line is this: See the sky a-broil and the colour of a blood orange. Yes, he must rhyme with "orange". On the next line, as he sings the word "door-hinge", you cannot even hear his grin. He lets the song lie dry and motionless. The sashay is almost imperceptible, until the middle of the track. Even then, after the girls have made their appearance, the dance number does not go to them; instead it is the guitar and pedal steel, twirling in tiny circles. [buy]

XMTR Derailleur - "No Sleep Ever". A simple series of actions, like locking your front door behind you. But did you remember? Did you forget? You go back and check. Yes, you did. You walk away. You go back and check. XMTR Derailleur's electronic shuffle recalls the Eels, Emperor X and the Books. It is not complicated. It is direct. But it is deceptive. Did you remember? Did you forget? You go back and check. [Bandcamp / thanks tyler]

(image from Wacky Cards)