Howl Howl Gaff Gaff

Based on a recommendation from one of my fellow music gurus, I went out and bought the Shout Out Louds' (no relation to Kiss) debut album, Howl Howl Gaff Gaff, without even hearing a track. After about three or four listens (usually it takes me about five to fully assess the situation), I was hooked. It's very Bright Eyes/Wilco-ish, yet a bit poppier and upbeat. It's lyrically amazing, too, singing about love and breakups and life, in some sort of happy way. Definitely a feel good CD, as so many Swedes are turning out these days. A Swedish invasion, perhaps?

So I listened and I loved. Then I thought, man, wouldn't it be great to see them live? All I got were rave reviews from their set at Coachella in California this past April. It must be my lucky day, because these guys are playing this Friday at the Exit/In opening up for The Dears and Mel & The Party Hats. I don't know about you, but aside from the Shout Out Loud's, I'm curious as to what a band that calls themselves Mel & The Party Hats sounds like? They're either a) really cheesy, under-age boys who think they're cool but aren't or b) geeky, over-aged boys who know they're not cool and don't care. Ha, based on their website, it looks like option B is a go. Can't wait.