Phoenix

Before Pitchfork made it cool to like Kylie Minogue and Justin Timberlake, Phoneix boldly mixed R&B grooves, dance beats, and indie rock guitar riffs to create some terrifically catchy pop songs. Since 2000, the band has released four good-but-not-great albums. The band's debut record, United, is its least cohesive album, and is probably best known for featuring the single "Too Young," which was used in both "Lost in Translation" and "Shallow Hal." Alphabetical, the band's second release, drips with sensuality and swagger, and showcases Phoenix perfecting its unique blend of R+B-influenced pop-rock. The band shifted gears on my favorite Phoenix album, It's Never Been Like That, which features more guitar-driven, heart-on-the-sleeve indie stompers. Phoenix's fourth album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, will be released on May 26th.

Each of these albums contains two-to-four excellent upbeat numbers, and I've collected these gems into a short playlist. It should make for some great summertime listening.

1. Consolation Prizes / It's Never Been Like That / 2006
2. 1901 / Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix / 2009
3. Too Young / United / 2000
4. Run Run Run / Alphabetical / 2004
5. Fences / Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix / 2009
6. Long Distance Call / It's Never Been Like That / 2006
7. Lisztomania / Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix / 2009
8. Everything Is Everything / Alphabetical / 2004
9. Courtesy Laughs / It's Never Been Like That / 2006
10. If I Ever Feel Better / United / 2000
11. (You Can't Blame It On) Anybody / Alphabetical / 2004
12. Sometimes In A Fall / It's Never Been Like That / 2006

Total Time: 44:55