Throwback Thursday: Doris D & The Pins - Shine Up

"Stop! This is enough!"

Instead of a Flashback Friday tomorrow, we're doing a Throwback Thursday. I'll be out of the state for work travel, but this is the perfect song to take you through the weekend. Doris D & The Pins had a wonderfully funny band name. Why don't we get these kinds of band names anymore? Campy and ridiculous without a hint of irony. Anyway, this song was big in Europe when it was released in 1980 and really the band's defining moment (though I would recommend their entire first album). The group was basically Doris and her back-up dancers, and they specialized in a mix of sugary pop, disco and new wave. Shine Up borrows liberally from the Lipps Inc classic, Funkytown, but adds a killer melody that's incredibly spare but all the more powerful for it. It's the type of track that will get stuck in your head for days, especially that "stop, this is enough!" bit. It's lethal.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy their greatest hits here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Melody Club - Paralyzed

"When she walks into the room, I stop and stare"

Melody Club is back! I don't think there's a more reliable band on the planet when it comes to amazing pop music. Each album has been different to their last, yet wonderful in its own way. I'm sure this new one will be just the same. From the sound of the single, they're going for a more modern, even rocky, sound. Paralyzed is hook-laden and instant (like all their songs -- single or not) and I love it. That goes without saying, though, as the band is part of my Holy Trinity of Swedish Music. In fact, they're the only band still together from that triangle of epicness. For that reason alone, I hope they stay together forever. It's already been ten years, which is certainly a great start. Now bring on that album!! I don't think I can wait any longer.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy their music (as if you haven't already) here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Straight Up! - Family

"All of us are united"

This is the song. It's the track that's gonna take Straight Up! to the next level. What it does is pull them away from the "novelty act" label (not that sexuality is a novelty, but you get what I mean) and push them firmly into the mainstream. I honestly can't believe how great this song is. For those who don't know, Straight Up! are a pop/electro duo from Sweden. A lot of this track actually sounds like it could have been recorded by BWO, which is a very good thing. The chorus is the standout--one of those delicious, propulsive melodies that latches onto your memory before it's even finished. Kudos also goes to the dynamic black and white video, which borrows from Rhythm Nation in theme and mood.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Learn more about them here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.