The virtues which distinguish the present generation were not invented in my time.

The Moonstone

I am (thank God!) constitutionally superior to reason. This enabled me to hold firm to my lady’s view, which was my view also. This roused my spirit, and made me put a bold face on it before Sergeant Cuff. Profit, good friends, I beseech you, by my example. It will save you from many troubles of the vexing sort. Cultivate a superiority to reason, and see how you pare the claws of all the sensible people when they try to scratch you for your own good!

Wilkie Collins, The Moonstone

tumblr_l3ilww80CH1qzv802

Tame Impala – “Island Walking”
Innerspeaker

Saw these guys on Pitchfork and thought I’d give them a go. It’s pleasantly surprising — with the feeling of both a throwback and a modern album. This is one of the more modern songs, an instrumental with shades of Tortoise and maybe even a little Mogwai. But the rest of the album sounds a bit like psychedelic-era Beatles meets Japandroids or No Age. That’s way too many name drops already, so I’m just going to stop.

tumblr_l3gnu34c4k1qzv802

Broken Social Scene – “Meet Me in the Basement”
Forgiveness Rock Record

While I doubt BSS will be returning to the supreme glory of You Forgot It In People, one of my favorite albums of the last decade, this new album is at least better than their muddy and directionless self-titled sophomore effort. They haven’t let go of the terrible vocal harmony style they introduced on that record, though, so this instrumental track makes for a nice break. Dynamic, punchy, and triumphant, this reminds me of the fun all-out jams they used to break out into during live performances.

tumblr_l3d6fervUJ1qzv802

Field Music – “Precious Plans”
Measure

This is a track which, like “Darker Still,” seems to slip by and be done before you realize you’ve been listening. I couldn’t even really describe “Precious Plans” to you, but it’s really easy to like, and keeps elaboration to a minimum. (insound)