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The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart

In the lead up to the release of their new single 'Come Saturday', The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart tell us about a handful of tracks that have made them the band they are today.

In the lead up to the release of their new single 'Come Saturday' (released on 24th August through Fortuna POP!), The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart tell us about a handful of tracks that have made them the band they are today.

"I never know the particulars of what is "inspiration" and what are simply things we've experienced and enjoyed. I tend to think everything must play some part in who we are today, so it's a shame I can only write about ten of them."

Mr. Wright - Hangover Square

There are many songs that want to leave the world behind and exist in perfect symmetry and love with another person. This, for whatever reason, is my favorite. Perhaps its the perfectly chosen descending chords or the tragic obscurity of its author that makes it seem the most sincere and moving. There is something both sad and magical in its simple desire to "leave this world behind and build a shrine to love and beauty." Only put this song on a mix if you really mean it-- don't sully its perfection.

Orchestral Manoeuvers In The Dark - Tesla Girls

It's strange, but OMD may be the only band that all 5 members in our van agree on loving. To single out any one of their songs seems so arbitrary, but Tesla Girls might be my favorite. I don't generally like to dance, but I think if I did, this would be a good song for that.

My Favorite - Burning Hearts

There once was an immaculate, lyrically incisive and melodically refined co-ed New York pop band that drew on influences from 80's English pop and American suburban ennui. However, they never found much of an audience. Peggy and I were both massive fans of theirs long before we knew each other. This song is maybe my favorite, the ending moves me with both sincere admiration of its beauty and sadness that they were never celebrated in their time. It seems unfair.

Suede - New Generation

Another band that seemed to joyfully dive face first into a shallow pool of increasing commercial and critical indifference, Suede's second (and my favorite) album contained a would-be single with lines about "breading disease on hands and knees" and "taking pills to find each other." And yes, it probably charted. Despite their short lived fame in the UK, they were always exceptionally obscure in the states, so I had to love them enough for an entire nation.

The Pastels - Coming Through

I know it's no secret that we love The Pastels. But seriously, how CAN'T you love The Pastels? That being said, if there was a nuclear war and all the bands of the world were annihilated except those from Glasgow, i think we'd never want for great pop.

The Exploding Hearts - Making Teenage Faces

Alex and I really bonded over this band. Brilliant, candy-coated power pop, dressed up in punk. People always complain that there's "nothing new" and then a band like this comes along and shows that even with something that seems old, new, incredible things are possible. That makes me optimistic for life. I have this 7" and, despite it being "collectible," I play the hell out of it whenever I get a chance. If i didn't, I'd have no soul.

Saint Etienne - Sylvie

When I was 18, I picked up Good Humour by accident, because it looked like a Belle and Sebastian record. I'd never heard music like this before, having been taught that dance or disco was somehow not cool or whatever other strange preconceived biases you get growing up with indie rock and pop punk. It was revelatory-- I couldn't stop listening to this song "over and over and over again." It made me really start to seek out and enjoy music that could be described with homophobic epithets regardless of the performer's sexual orientation.

Belle And Sebastian - Dirty Dream Number 2

I like songs that are equal parts pervy and pretty. Belle and Sebastian has a few, but this is undoubtedly my favorite.

John Cale - Gideon's Bible

I think Belle and Sebastian taught me so much about bands i might not have otherwise known or loved, as i searched for the sorts of baroque, literary pop sounds that made me want to drink tea instead of coffee and move to Glasgow when I was 19. The Left Banke was one such "find," as were John Cale's Vintage Violence and Paris 1919 albums. I think both are perfect, and this song is as fine as any on either record.

Love Zero - The Prids

Portland, OR's The Prids are one of my favorite bands ever. That they are fiercely DIY in the truest sense of the term in an age that uses such adjectives quite loosely is admirable. But their music is far more than the sum of their political stances and unabashed gothic/new wave influences. This track is sheer, simple loveliness-- an oasis of unparalleled melody in the midst of an otherwise dark and foreboding album.