Various Artists
Guilt By Association Vol. 2 / Engine Room Recordings / BUY
While we here at the Rind feel pretty firmly that one need not feel guilty for liking cheesy pop songs (seriously, you should see some of our playlists), the idea behind this second volume of covers from Engine Room is a great one – indie artists cover their favorite songs that others might deem “un-indie” and therefore “uncool.”
We’re going to ignore the subjectivity of all that and get to the songs. Move over Marilyn Manson, because Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond) delivers a totally creepy version of the Soft Cell classic “Tainted Love,” making it sound more like a spy theme than a new wave song. Check it out here. Speaking of new wave, Rafter’s take on the OMD hit “If You Leave” is sparse in a good way, while Cassettes Won’t Listen offers an electro-poptastic version of INXS’ “Need You Tonight.” … Continue Reading
The Bloodsugars aren’t your everyday ‘clap your hands, bob your head’ indie-rock group. This Brooklyn-based quartet manages to turn the 80s and its power-pop into a total garage band experience. They get their name from frontman Jason Rabinowitz, a diabetic, and they love when even the most cynical indie-hipsters dance to their “clever arrangements and relatable lyrics.” In fact, Rabinowitz and bandmates Matt Katz, Brendan O’Grady, and Kenneth Salters have hit the ground running with their current EP through Engine Room Recordings, titled BQEP.
Their video “Purpose Was Again” sports the directing styles of Kristopher Schackman (who’s been involved in films like Zoolander, School of Rock, Spiderman 2, and TV series The Knights of Prosperity) and is animated by Lisa LaBracio (a favorite at Woodstock and Tribeca Film Festivals, colorist for Weird Al’s ‘Don’t Download This Song,’ and a collaborator on a bunch of commercials). Combined, they deliver a one-two punch that leaves the viewer with a cross between fantastically changing camera angles and what would seem to be an Apple commercial. But wait! There’s more! Iron Chef’s Mario Batali cameos in it too, giving it an extra flavor, if you’re into puns.
As for now, they’re planning the release of their full-length sometime this winter, and are touring behind the EP. And as for RIGHT NOW…The Bloodsugars appeared on WOXY’s Lounge Act today at 2, and will be on NPR’s Second Stage program at 4! Turn it on and listen to some indie synth pop/rock that may have you thinking you’ve still got one foot in the 80s.
