This song is an exercise in reservation. It is a constant back and forth between sweet, drawn back, melancholy hums, and bright and driving hooks. Mr. Gnome, a Cleveland duo, tend to lean towards pop songs with a steady force and sounds that stop and stall throughout. Everytime “Night of the Crickets” slows down to breathe, i get really excited knowing that looping chorus is around the bend.

They have a few releases, and a new one, you can grab here.

Mr.Gnome – Night of the Crickets

Prolong the magic of this song with the Ed Blammo edit and remember how much you love a good clap track.

Spoon – Back to the Life (Ed Blammo Edit)

The quality of French powerpop and electro always leaves me wondering – what the hell do they put in the water? This track begs you to break out your oversized headphones and skip down the street like some kind of lovestruck fool on amphetamines. I have a feeling this one will get some serious work this summer.

Pony Pony Run Run and Lifelike all seem like pretty chill dudes.

Pony Pony Run Run – Walking on a Line (Lifelike remix)

Of all the headline losses in our recent year, Mark Linkous’s suicide will resonate the most with me. Sparklehorse songs have a great way of resting on melodies that both break your heart and mend it back. Nothing quipy here, I’m just sad to know he won’t be writing any new songs.

Sparklehorse – Sunshine