Hands Of Steel Make Me Squeal

Gene Serene & John Downfall “I Can Do Anything” – Think of this as being song one, side A for 2005. Everything about this track feels like the beginning of something. Specifically, something quite good and exciting. It’s exactly the kind of reasonable optimism that all of us could use right now, whether it’s in the context of social trends and politics, or in a more personal, love life/career sort of way. I’ve been trying to figure out what I find so attractive about Gene Serene’s persona for a while, but now I think that it just comes down to that one line, “I can do anything.” She doesn’t seem cocky or arrogant, just supremely confident and self-assured. She’s seductive because she never has to resort to hyperbole – it’s all very matter of fact to her. (Click here for the official Gene Serene site, or email John Downfall: djdownfall @ hotmail.com)

Diamond Nights “Girls Attractive” – There is a lot to love about this song, but my favorite thing about it is how the guy starts it off by singing “she looks good / swiss cheese” and then seems to immediately realize that he ought to double back and explain himself. Next line: “Put your head full of holes.” Oh, right. Of course. She’s so hot that she burns little holes in your mind! And if you have little holes in your mind, it’s harder to connect your thoughts in a linear fashion. Pretty girls cause non-sequitors. There’s a lot of truth in this song. (Click here to visit the official Diamond Nights website.)

Elsewhere: “En förträfflig idé!” Max exclaims with joy, “Jag förmå skifta du till en arg sångerska rockmusik!” I heart PopText.