Notables.

Before the trip to Massachusetts last week, I loaded up the iPod with some new tracks found on the music blogs I tend to peruse. My ears were happy with me during the journey, so I wanted to be sure to pass them along to you.

Ear candy! Revel!

• Endless Entertainment – Bright Eyes: Much, er, brighter happier sound to the instrumentation than I’m used to hearing from Conor & Company, but the same brand of “woe is me” lyricism I’ve long enjoyed (hey, it’s the musical masochist in me and I own up). It’s a fun juxtaposition, hearing “there’s endless entertainment, thinking the world is going to end; I’ve lived some nights convinced of it but I keep waking up again” followed by a catchy riff on the Hammond. Makes me think of “Bowl of Oranges,” which just happens to be my favorite BE song. (Source: Stereogum)
• Mothers, Daughters, Sisters & Wives – Voxtrot: Catchy, good melody with a bit of garage sound thrown into the mix. The original is good, but I’m partial to the lovely floaty feel in one of the remixes submitted to Stereogum. Must agree with the original analysis: so pretty! (Permalink to Stereogum post isn’t working, but giving credit where due.)
• When I Am Gone – Sparrow House: Try listening to this without thinking of Iron & Wine’s “Naked As We Came.” Seriously. Go do it now. I’ll wait. OK, did you listen? Isn’t it impossible? Isn’t that a huge compliment? Such a warm sound. Heartbreak sounds pretty glorious, eh? (Source: Gorilla vs. Bear — hi, Chris!)
• Oh Mandy – The Spinto Band: The intro makes you think Bono’s going to bust out with the chorus of “With or Without You,” but the song goes on to quick-paced straight up pop/electrosynth. It’s pretty infectious. (Source: GvB)
• Blue Bird – The Rosebuds: The “ooohs” should get annoying, but they don’t, much in the way KT Tunstall’s failed to aggravate in “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree.” Unless, of course, you found that KT track obnoxious, in which case I’d say you might want to avoid this song. I dig it, though. (Source: GvB)
• Temporary States – Speechwriters LLC: When the Speechwriters men weren’t busy, you know, helping elect people to run the country, they found time to get a demo up onto the website. And it’s good. Typically smart, savvy and head-bobby, the song sounds like it could do quite well with some serious studio TLC. I miss seeing them live. Hint. Hint. (Source: Speechwriters LLC dot com — if you have problems with password inquiries, go here and the band explains how to access.)
• Going South – Brothers and Sisters: I just like it. (Source: GvB)