Since I can't seem to score a French Kicks promo to save my life, I'm currently filling the French Kicks part of my heart (left ventricle, I believe) with a few tunes I downloaded by Phoenix. They do some fun things with rhythm that make me want to try the pasa doble or something.
And the wife is highly amused by the little hand jive I was just doing while Phoenixing. I'm afraid to pick up the whole album for fear that "Consolation Prizes" and "Long Distance Call" - the two Phoenix tunes I'm diggin' huge - might be the best of the bunch. Best to have a brief fling with these fellers rather than going for the commitment that an album-length purchase might entail.
Another current song-crush of mine? "Grass Is Greener" by Radio 4. My alltime fave Radio 4 track, "Save Your City," sounded like Joy Division fronted by Mick Jones from The Clash. This one sounds more like Strummer fronting Interpol.
Progressive Regression? Oh yes.
My Trusted MOGs
I know these tracks are old(ish) but my favorite Phoenix is "Too Young" from the Lost in Translation soundtrack and "If I Ever Fell Better" from Erlend Oye/DJ Kicks. Awesome songs. I haven't really gotten into the new album. The tracks you mentioned are def. the highlights though.
My Trusted MOGs
The Phoenix album is actually very well done, but it's way too brief for me to recommend a purchase. It may reach the 35 minute mark, and it just seemed to be over all too soon (much like Mogwai's 'Rock Action' album). What is included is great material, however you'll be left asking yourself what happened to the other half of the album?!
My Trusted MOGs
personaly i think i dig the previous two phoenix albums more, they were more easy listening i guess, this one is definetely much more straightfoward...another good trwck off of it is Courtesy Laugh...that and the two you mentioned before are the best three hands down!
My Trusted MOGs
I think one thing is quite special with them is that Phoenix becomes so addictive regardless of what your first impression is.