Beachy keen

These past few days I’ve been doing a lot of driving, resulting in me having to fill my car up with gas about every two or three days, but little Commie has a little tank in the first place (and that’s Commie the Mercury Comet, not Commie the communist). Whilst driving I’ve become particularly fond of a few new albums I’ve downloaded, but the one getting the most play is Beach House’s “Teen Dream.”
First of all, this album is absolutely beautiful. It’s charming and sensual and just makes me want to keep smiling for the duration of time that I’m in my car on the way to work or school or wherever. In fact, it is because of this album that I’m willing to pay so much money for gas in the first place, and willing to fold clothes for four hours straight.
It’s hard to pinpoint what exactly makes this album, and this band for that matter, so undeniably listenable. They are in no way pop (though they are oft-described as dream pop) and they are in no way rock. Some might compare the lead singer and organist, Victoria Legrand’s, voice to that of Chan Marshall (Cat Power) because it is somewhat raspy and deep. But Legrand’s voice, though tonally similar, is very much different in the emotion that it carries. If I had to put a name to the genre of music within which Beach House should be placed, I would call it Alternative Heaven.
On past albums, Beach House’s songs have been a tad on the sad side. They stir up emotions that one might find familiar, but they are not necessarily depressing; they are more contemplative. I remember listening to the self-titled “Beach House” album, as well as the band’s second album, “Devotion,” while it was raining and I was doing my art homework and blogging in my Vistas apartment last year (no snooty vibes intended). They are the perfect background sound for any activity that involves focus or creativity, as they set a somewhat serious mood, perfect for painting or rambling.
What I like best about this new album is the aura surrounding each song. It’s as though each song is its own little piece of Heaven, and Legrand’s voice and organ and other Beach House member Alex Scally’s guitar and keyboard are respective spiritual entities that, when combined, create such a charming thought process and inviting sound that I can’t help but daydream my drive away (while being safe at the same time of course).
It goes without saying that Beach House is one of my top five acts that I need to see at Coachella. Though they play near my hometown quite often, there will be nothing like hearing the tracks on “Teen Dream” live in the desert, surrounded by thousands of people. It truly will be an unearthly experience.
If you are new (or old) to the ways of Beach House, I highly recommend the following tracks on their new album: “Silver Soul,” “Walk in the Park,” “Lover of Mine,” “Used to Be,” “10 Mile Stereo” and “Take Care.” If you didn’t notice I just listed six of the 10 songs I could choose from, and I recommend the other four as well. You may as well just buy the whole album.