My Favorite Combination

Gruff Rhys “Candylion” – This is a far cry from the Super Furry Animals’ high water mark “The Man Don’t Give A Fuck” — it barely rocks at all, lacks profanity and Steely Dan samples entirely, and is awash in a sea of whimsy rather than piss and vinegar. (Whimsy smells better, sorta like strawberries and laundry.) “Candylion” is basically straight up, totally unapologetic children’s music, and pushes Rhys’ penchant for gentle acoustic lullabies to a logical extreme of cuddliness. The lyrics are full of charming nonsense, but it’s not nearly as twee as it seems on the first listen — there’s a subtle and somewhat inexplicable darkness to the song, even in its most sunny and harmonic moments. (Click here to buy it from Amazon UK.)

Elsewhere: My new Hit Refresh column is up on the ASAP site with mp3s from Simian Mobile Disco, Luke Vibert, and the Specific Heats.