Friends. I have gathered you here today, in memory of Balearic beat, synthesizers, thick bass lines and attention to detail. I’m leading the charge against empty lo-fi art rock with no substance, and heretofore plainly encouraging this other movement just gurgling at the bottom of the well, this movement that is using ’80s touchstones to create incredible pop music now, amidst an emphatic charge the other direction. Listen to these songs and relax … it doesn’t sound like tin on treble, but I think you’ll find it more satisfying. Pop music, after all, can take many forms. Here is a form that I can wholeheartedly support. Turn the bass up and listen to these tunes loudly, they aren’t afraid of you. We are all one, riding in the back of Molly Ringwald’s car, worried about something that doesn’t matter a week from now. We’re all scurrying to be as loud and bratty as we can, when the smooth music of our generation was happening right under our noses. Make way, the rebirth of dance pop with an actual — physical — low end has returned. In some cases (Sleigh Bells) it’s even tinged with that Metallica album you hide under your bed when friend come over to jam with you just like Robert Pollard. Just like Robert Pollard, only more boring, less concerned, totally detached from the community … pointless. Listen to this shit, fuck your girlfriend, thank me later. Viva new wave. Viva rock n roll.

For the record, “Fever” and “Friend of the Night” are currently in the running for the Flux-Rad track of 2010.

DOWNLOAD: VA – Friend of the Night (zip)

01 Teen Inc “Friend of the Night”
02 Hard Mix “Alright”
03 Korallreven “The Truest Faith”
04 Pallers “The Kiss”
05 Balam Acab “See Birds”
06 Sunglasses “Whiplash”
07 The Books “Beautiful People”
08 Wolf Gang “Back to Back” (Active Child Remix)
09 Baths “Stupor”
10 Evan Voytas “Sad, Like Hearts Can Be”
11 Silent Diane “Juliet the Painting”
12 Sensual Harassment “Fever”
13 Sleigh Bells “Tell ‘Em”