Jacey Jasnoch & PJ North – “Ridin’ (G Shuffle)”: I’m not gonna lie – a small part of me cringed when I saw that title. And blog snobs everywhere will turn their noses up at this tune. BUT! And this is a big but (I cannot lie) – hahaha (Ok, I’ll stop) it has struck me as odd that the largest blogs largely skim over pop music – what the majority of the general listening public pays attention to. This is obviously whom Jasnoch and North are targeting, so to talk about this song on the terms of the indie blogosphere is silly. On to the song – it seems to be targeting a tween and young teen audience. Auto-tune and heavy production abound. Plainly Jasnoch is getting some attention – his 70,000 Facebook followers come from a celebrity endorsement and not buying likes. “Ridin'” ought to continue this trend, especially if the right people hear it. If you think the song is cheesy, you’re probably not whom they are targeting anyway. So no problem. Enjoy it for what it is – a catchy party track with an independent vibe.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7wZrlyrlto[/youtube]

Digisaurus – “Make A Move”: In contrast to the above track, this song is a catchy party tune intended for the snobs whom typically read blogs. And beyond – that includes those who like Jacey’s stuff. “Make A Move” is alternative dance pop with enough bells and whistles to stand apart from the Walk the Moons of this world. Funky guitars yes. But robotic voice distortion in an out of this world hook? Tell me more! The band has been quietly marketing itself like a professional and I have to say, it is working. At least on this enthusiast!

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/163266422″ /]

Cultfever – “Gloria”: Let’s take this groove train a step deeper, shall we? This band hails from Brooklyn, where everyone cool seems to be from these days (besides Columbus – duh!). This track, while danceable, has appropriately been deemed cinematic and layered – adjectives normally reserved for post rock. There’s even a false ending to the track which transitions into a memorable crescendo that’s just otherworldly and cool. The single isn’t out til October 21st, but we’re letting you listen to it now. Gee, how nice of us!

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/170951855″ /]

The Dead Ships – “Canyon”: Gosh, the grooves just keep coming tonight. I thought I was done writing about dance tracks when I clicked on this email about about a garage rock band. But dangit, “Canyon” is groovy too. Just strip away some of the polish and shine. Retain the melody and add in a lot of volume and crunchy guitars and we’re good to go. Stream/download the song below:

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/169409332″/]

Tahiti 80 – “Missing”: This song grooves too, but adds an air of melancholy. The French group offers polished indie pop – nothing less, not a whole lot more. But we are given some on point harmonizing over a simple drum beat. Glossy melodies seem to glide across my mind, lighting up my proverbial palette. Confused by my analogy? Well, just listen then. Not trying to be pretentious.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvXV7giTwe8[/youtube]