Pitchfork 500: As I Listen & As I Hear: Part 2

And:

The epic reading/binge-drinking saga continues! I haven't done this in a while, but it always feels good. Like someone who continuously puts on and takes off their purity rings. Here's looking at you, Jonas Bros.!

Television - Marquee Moon
1977
10:43. A long track for the art-punks of the late '70's. They had a good point. All instruments complement each other and predict a Cure - Hot Hot Hot!!!-esque future. I'm a big fan of the bass line. Give it a listen. The breakdown is especially sick.

Depeche Mode - Enjoy The Silence
1990
Truly synth rock's most triumphant poetry. These dudes turn out one of the most poignant records in all of new wave with this complicated, instrumental masterpiece about the simplest romance. "Enjoy The Silence" says, "we got all these machines making music, but here's some two minutes at the end with a harrowing assortment of instruments killing each other that will bring you off your ecstasy high."

Yo La Tengo - From A Motel 6
1993
This track embodies everything R.E.M. wished to accomplish on their 1995's record, Monster. Good luck trying to make out the words. This is 90's shoe-gaze meets hard rock, and it's is great.

Feist - Mushaboom
2004
It's been covered by Bright Eyes, but don't worry, it's cute when you hear the original. Canadian indie guitar sensation Feist sings this folkish tune with the help of a clap machine and what appears to sound like a backing choir. "Mushaboom" makes me think of a toxic mushroom that gets you high as hell.

Justice - Never Be Alone
2004
Justice is your friend. You'll never be alone again. Listen to this along with your New Order iTunes playlist. It fits in. Again, bass is huge in this one. This was pre-D.A.N.C.E. and it captures the French duo at a young and pivotal time. A happy dance tune that begs the question: Why are the French so good at making house music?