Megan's Top 70 of 2010: #33 - The Walkmen

Why I Decree it to Be So:

I can't believe it's been something like eight years since first The Walkmen jauntily jangled their way into my cold, black heart (remember "We've Been Had?"). In truth, they could put out a crappy record and I'd still love 'em, and not only for their DC connections. With latest record Lisbon, the band shows just how far they've come, getting better with age though still impish and playful at heart. They continue to hone their unmistakable sound, that bouncy surf rock meets calypso meets pop, given voice through the warm warble of irrepressible (and dashingly handsome) Hamilton Leithauser. "Angela Surf City," one of my favorites, is classic Walkmen, while "Blue As Your Blood" bleeds a little bit Ennio Morricone along with the traditional Walkmen fare. And you can't help but believe Leithauser when he opines, "I could dream you forever." If you're a fan of the band, you obviously need this record. And if you're not yet a fan, Lisbon will convert you to the wonderful world of The Walkmen.

mp3: Angela Surf City (The Walkmen from Lisbon)

It's Covered: It's Beginning to Sound Too Much Like Xmas

i'm relatively positive there's a whole covered/wrapped/wrapping paper joke i should be making, but quite frankly, i've been so swamped 'round here lately, i just don't have time to think of what that line is. That being said, ain't no Scrooges at LET during the holidays, so let's delve into some tasty Christmas covers, shall we?

Now, if this first one wasn't listed as part of the A.V. Club's Holiday Undercover Series, i don't know if i'd even think of it as a Christmas song. i mean, let's be honest, this is the Vacation song, pure and simple, but who am i to argue with the Walkmen? Hell, they even wore Santa hats for the video, so clearly i am in the wrong. Except i'm not, but Xmas is a time for acceptance, right? So there you have it.

mp3: Holiday Road (The Walkmen from The A.V. Club's Undercover Series)

Quite possibly my most favoritest holiday classic penned in the 80s, Summer Camp does a pretty faithful cover of the Waitresses' "Christmas Wrapping." Much like TNT's 24-hour Christmas Story marathon, this one is a comfy fit for the holidays.

mp3: Christmas Wrapping (Summer Camp from their MySpace)