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Phoenix

In my dream world, I wake up early Sundays (hey, it could happen!). Mr. Rock'n'Roll makes me breakfast and I spend the day on the front porch or by the fireplace, reading the Sunday papers and listening to Phoenix. They are the totally the epitome of chill-out music that might also inspire you to have a little dance party as well.

Phoenix's dreamy, French-accented synthpop first came to my attention because of Sophia Coppola -- she mentioned the band in an interview around the time that the The Virgin Suicides was released. (She would later use a Phoenix track -- "Too Young" -- in Lost In Translation.) I was completely smitten by the thought of a bunch of French fellows writing darling little pop songs, and sought out Phoenix's debut album, United. It proved to be totally charming, if a bit uneven, and it didn't leave my cd changer for months.

Phoenix's second album, Alphabetical, is a far stronger effort than their debut. The lyrics are a bit less nonsensical this time around, the melodies and song structure a bit more sturdy, and Thomas Mars' voice is stronger (though still tinged with that darling accent).

After hearing their most recent release, Live: Thirty Days Ago, I'm very keen to see Phoenix play live. I'd never really thought of them as a must-see live band, but that album changed my mind completely. I suppose it's probably too much to hope that there'll be cozy sofas to stretch out on at their showcase at Antone's, huh?

Phoenix - Too Young
Phoenix - Everything is Everything
Phoenix - Alphabetical (live)

Phoenix's official website. Buy Alphabetical from Amazon. Live: Thirty Days Ago is available from the iTunes Music Store.

Posted by Little Miss Rock'n'Roll at 02.19.05 at 4:35 AM

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