Field Music “Tell Me Keep Me”

The same Northeastern area of England that gave the world The Futureheads and Maximo Park now gives us Field Music, whose eponymous debut album is, amazingly, better than either of the previously mentioned two (both of which have devoted former or current members to the band). Comparisons abound elsewhere to, believe it or not, the Beatles and some bloke named Brian Wilson, but after listening to the entire album a few times, a more apt benchmark would be Something/Anything era Todd Rundgren–and they’re not alone, if you’ve listened to Steve Malkmus’ new record. Track “Tell Me Keep Me” (mp3) revels in the dual falsetto harmonies and piano the Wizard used to specialize in (while playing every instrument and riding the mixing board faders with his big toe) early in his career. The guitar keeps slipping in and out of sync with the rhythm section, offering an intriguing, anticipation-building syncopation to the first chorus, which creates a mini-explosion, sending small hand-clap shrapnel flying everywhere. One of the best records of the year.

Buy Field Music (as an import) here.