This album actually came out in 2005, but it is entirely self-released, and thus didnt get much attention outside of their hometown of Chicago until one of their songs was posted as a free download on iTunes, which is where I heard about them (this year, thus its on my 2006 list!). Like their name and their album cover, this album is fully office-themed, in the lyrics, and in their sound. “In their sound?” To be honest I think this is the perfect album to end the work week, after what more than likely was a week of pure hell. Every song is incredibly poppy and incredibly catchy. Lots of ‘oooooooo’s and ‘lalalalalalalala’s, handclaps, trumpets, driving bass lines, beautiful background female harmonies and sing along choruses. The songwriting is very strong, with a a slant towards a 1980’s sound. The best way I can describe them is a mix of The Cars, XTC and The Dandy Warhols, with a dash of Ben Folds. How this band hasn’t been signed to a label, caught someone’s ear, or even made it to Pitchfork (based in Chicago no less), is beyond me*. Brilliant stuff, fun, and really just irresistible.

*Scratch that, they were just signed to a small indie label called Scratchie Records/New Line Records. This self-released album I mention is no longer available via their site, or iTunes, but the new record out in 2007 will ‘consist of singles from our “demo” record, Q&A, some older music, as well as some new songs. All tracks are being remixed, re-mastered, cleaned-up, and enhanced with help from James at Stratosphere Sound in NYC.’

“Q&A sounds like Daniel Lanois and Nick Rhodes ganged up and produced a record for Franz Ferdinand – the album is loaded with hook-filled, pop-rock songs and is wrapped in a thick, warm atmosphere that recalls Phil Spector’s “wall of sound.” I haven’t been this happy with an album from beginning to end in a loooong time – every single song on the album is a winner. No skipping necessary.” – Forepac Blog