meet me in the basement

these guys lost me (big time) after their self-titled album in 2005. seeing them (or anyone else) (except ladytron) at gypsy on that tour was one of the top 5 worst shows i've ever seen. the cardigans and beards and guitar wanking and frat boys in the crowd on cell phones was more than i could handle. so i really haven't listened to them in the last 5 years.

but i still get chills when the handclaps on stars and sons kick in. every time i hear any song off you forgot it in people, i'm instantly transported to sxsw 2004. i stumbled upon them at a free day show at emo's. and then i met a girl. and then she clapped along to that song in my car. and my heart skipped a fucking beat. that album perfectly captured a time and place for me - when everything was thrilling and terrifying in equal measures. thrilling because it was new, terrifying because you knew it would be over before you were ready. when joy and pain were easily confused.

i haven't really paid attention to them since then, but they played a new jam on letterman last night. there's probably too much going on in it for me, but there's a phoenix vibe to it that i like.

also, "hey ms. keyboardist. cute dress. what's up?"