Two albums of tremendous pleasure points, lets count the ways:

The M’s come rolling in to 2008 with Real Close Ones. Straying slightly in the direction of Brit Pop, but gooood Brit Pop (not Champagne Supernova or some crap). This time around the M’s experiment more, without the psychy fuzz, and offer up a balanced record filled with folkie ballads, old timey romps, signature fuzz freakouts, and electronic drums(?)! I can’t get enough of them as I’m huge, huge fan of The M’s and Future Woman. A few tunes:

• Pigs Fly

• Bros in Arms

From Bubblegum to Sky (aka Mario Hernandez) incorporates so much fun time in A Soft Kill its hard to get over the fact almost all his lyrics deal with misery, bitterness, despair, ironic situations, and on and on. But trumping the endless personal tragedies is Hernandez’ incredible flavor for great 60’s styled pop. He garnishes a little Surf, a lot of Beatles inspired riffs, and enough bubblegum choruses of oooohs and ahhhs to shame any Beach Boys tribute group. Have a listen:

• My Je M’appelle

• Captain Tennille