MOG

I don't know much about Washington, DC's The Dismemberment Plan, other than they're a punk group frequently regarded as a hipster favorite. Judging by this track from their 1995 debut !, it's easy to see why. This song is simply glorious. It begins with an ascending octave chord hook against an odd, angular rhythm that, inexplicably, clips along with the immediacy of a more straightforward punk beat. Over this, vocalist Travis Morrison sings in a rapid fire, oddly tuneful yelp that recalls the Buzzcocks' Pete Shelly. What truly sells this song, though, is its chorus. On the fly, the band switches from the quirky verse into a punky charge, while Morrison milks the last words of the verse. After the chorus' sweet, catchy, sing-along lyrical hook (It's Only For the things that matter/Only For the things that really count/I wouldn't have it any other way), the band crashes again into the verse. The song repeats like this throughout its two and a half minute duration, and the result is a near-perfect melodic punk confection, probably the best introduction to the Dismemberment Plan there is.

Travis Morrison-Guitar, Vocals Jason Caddell-Guitar Eric Axelson-Bass Steve Cummings-Drums (1993-1995) Joe Easley-Drums (1995-2003)