Pimp cane street walk turned indie pop - "Round and Round" Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti

"Round and Round" Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti

Ok ok, I'm a year behind on realizing the awesomeness of this song. Ariel Pink has been around for a while, but his latest project with band Haunted Graffiti kicked off in 2010. Pitchfork raved, laughed, cried... Haunted Graffiti is 2010's Jesus! I tried to listen to a few songs, and I couldn't get into it. "Round and Round" fell into my lap a week ago, and I can't stop. So. Damn. Good. This song starts off as a pimp's sidewalk strut beat and turns into a poppy vintage sitcom theme song (I keep seeing "WKRP in Cincinnati"). I'm a pimp, I'm a hippie, I'm dynamic. Either way, I'm not me for a few minutes, and that is awesome.

When to play it: Pimp strutting down the sidewalk on a sunny summer day (bell bottoms encouraged); lying on your roof with blanket, beer, oversized sunglases, and goofy grin.

How you'll feel: Relaxed.

Red wine honey blanket plead - "I've Been Loving You Too Long" Otis Redding

"I've Been Loving You Too Long" Otis Redding

This song feels like a warm red wine blanket all over your body. Your mind explodes at 0:24 seconds and again at 1:00 min. The song starts sweet and loving, then the minor tones creep in, and before you know it, it's an ominous painful pleading. An "I love you... don't leave me" switch; such a simple song, such a dynamic feeling. Otis Redding was making this music when he was my age and younger... genius!

How (what) you'll feel: A sponge squeeze on your heart.

When to play it: On a rainy Saturday night, home alone with a glass of wine, lying on the couch.