POST NO. 16: BREAK-UP SONGS FOR IVY LEAGUE FUCKS

"Sad songs for Ivy League fucks" -- that's how my ex-girlfriend once described The Clientele. I found the description to be humorous, as she wasn't really serious in her seemingly harsh assessment. There's certainly something about The Clientele's sound that suggests sophisticated snobbery. Much as with '80s cult faves Felt -- whose music paved the way for The Clientele -- this trio from London creates a textural, mesmerizing style of indie pop steeped in the soft psychedelia of Donovan, Love, and to a lesser degree Nick Drake. I've always said that The Clientele are best listened to as the spigot is sealed tight on a summer rainstorm. Certainly, Clientele frontman Alasdair MacLean does little to dissuade the notion that the best art is created from a still sadness. But unlike other groups who mope through routine remorse with a predictable lack of flair, The Clientele's music often speaks to a subtle warmth. I credit that to MacLean's beautiful guitar work, which is something to behold in person.

Pitchfork leaked a song from their forthcoming album, Strange Geometry, which will be released in less than a week in the UK and on October 11 in the States. And, in case you missed it, here it is again. It's a pleasant surprise: an energetic slice of melodic pop goodness that stands in contrast to their previous album, The Violet Hour, which seemed stuck in the doldrums almost to a fault. Notice the little melodic twist on guitar/glockenspiel -- which Pitchfork correctly identified as a wink to "Sloop John B" -- that appears periodically.

The Clientele - "Since K Got Over Me"

Not to sound like a jerk, but if you can't find something to like in this tune, then I feel for you. Visit The Clientele or sample some more of their songs. I'd highly recommend picking up the compilation of their early singles, Suburban Light.