we came here to take you out

CSS first hooked us in late 2006 with their insanely catchy video “Let’s Make Love and Listen to Death From Above”. They hit the mainstream with their placement in an iPod commercial, and next week they will release their second album, Donkey.

Much like the band’s last release, the 80s, drinking, dancing, and partying play lead roles in the both the sound and lyrical content of the album. This should come as no surprise, as the first track “Jager Yoga” declares “we came here to take you out!” Furthering CSS’s agenda are the vaguely disco “Move” and “Let’s Raggae All Night” – a song with nothing remotely raggae about it, but with the key line “if you are my friend you can make dance beats for me / just for me.”

While partying may dominate CSS’s repetoire, they aren’t a one-trick pony (or donkey, for that matter). “Rat is Dead (Rage)” takes on some darker subject matter, and “Left Behind” is a bit more subdued and heartfelt than their usual fare. “Believe/Achieve” is sexy as hell, despite the often creepy lyrics (“I’m gonna take your eyes / use them as a seed”), but the best track on the album is “Beautiful Song”. Having some of the most coherent lyrics on the album, its fast-paced doubled guy/girl vocals and catchy instrumental melody lines make it a stand-out cut.

Donkey drops on 07/22/08.
Click here for downloads and more.

i’ve been working on a cocktail called ‘grounds for divorce’

Elbow – Grounds For Divorce (sepia-toned grit)
CSS – Rat Is Dead [Rage] (Cher’s closet has been raided)
Willoughby – Frankenstein (a whole new world for Frank)
Jamie Lidell – Little Bit of Feel Good (if Stevie Wonder courted unicorns)
Spencer Davis Group – Keep On Running (it’s old but I love it and it’s perfect for summer)

free download friday

Sub Pop was kind enough to send over a few downloads for you fine folks from two of their upcoming summer releases.

Wolf Parade – At Mount Zoomer
Language City
Call It A Ritual

CSS – Donkey
Rat is Dead (Rage)

And don’t forget you can download “White Winter Hymnal” from Fleet Foxes here.