Mates of State | AWmusic

I forgot to mention that these top songs are still very personal opinions despite trying to take as many suggestions of the rest of the writers. I’m not sure how people will respond to the list, numbering isn’t quite as important as inclusion. I like taking suggestions as there will be millions of tracks I likely missed. As is the goal with this list, 10-limit descriptions included.

Previously:
#76-100

Next in the series:
Part 3: #26-50
Part 4: #1-25

Numbers #51-75:
#51 Creator by Santogold w/ Switch and Freq Nasty (myspace/video -unofficial was canceled?)
The intro is risky, brave and wildly effective.
#52 Crystal Stilts by Crystal Stilts (myspace)
A song should be good if it’s your band name.
#53 I Wish I Could Keep You by Little Pictures (myspace/live)
This song makes me wish I was a kid again.
#54 In The Kitchen by The Pomegranates (myspace/live -poor visual quality)
A song I want to play on the guitar.
#55 Never Miss A Beat by Kaiser Chiefs (homepage/video)
The kids on the street, are scary! Shiiet.
#56 Death To The Los Campesinos! By Los Campesinos! (myspace/video)
“I’ll be control-alt-deleting your face with no reservation”.
#57 Marry Me Annie by Matthew and The Arrogant Sea (myspace)
Hey Annie, I’m serious, MATAS is a great band.
#58 Whiite Fantaseee by Slim Twig (myspace)
How about an Asian fantaseee?
#59 Dance Dance Dance by Lykke Li (myspace/live with Bon Iver)
Lykke Li’s hips lie and she’s shy. I’m in love.
#60 Galaxy Of The Lost by Lightspeed Champion (myspace/video)
Emmy The Great makes this song gold. Weird video.
#61 Skinny Love by Bon Iver
Bon Iver should try BBW. Morbidly Obese Love anyone?
#62 Good Time by Brazilian Girls (myspace/video)
I just want to have a good time too.
#63 Can’t Shake It by Kate Miller-Heidke (myspace/video)
I can’t dance either though this song is danceable…
#64 New Soul by Yael Naim(homepage)
I’m a new ipod product with a new catchy song.
#65 Boneless by The Notwist (homepage)
Great song off a slightly disappointing album.
#66 Shadow Falls by Hello, Blue Roses (myspace/live)
Awesome duet, too bad they were bashed by Pitchfork.
#67 Get Better by Mates of State (myspace/video)
“Forget your politics for awhile”. 2008 was a tough year.
#68 Xavia by The Submarines (myspace)
The Submarines don’t let me down in this song.
#69 Home Sweet Home by Those Dancing Days (myspace/video)
A perfect holiday song.
#70 Not Your Savior by Peasant (myspace)
Peasant keeps it honest, leave him alone.
#71 Call It A Ritual by Wolf Parade (myspace)
I enjoy Spencer Krug’s metaphorical writing.
#72 Black Rice by Women (myspace/live)
Best Song that ends in a whimper.
#73 The Rip by Portishead (homepage/video)
Just beautiful.
#74 That’s Not My Name by The Tings Tings (myspace/video)
Wait..what is her name again?
#75 Gila by Beach House (myspace/live)
Giiiiiiiiillllllllllllllllllllllllaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

Mates of States is a duo out of Kansas apparently known for their previous releases like Bring It Back and Team Boo. I wouldn’t actually know but it shouldn’t matter.

I first “officially” heard about them while skimming through Pitchfork reviews and seeing a wonderful 5.0 out of 10 but I would say the blogs had a bigger influence on whether or not I would check this album. The Panic Manual a Canadian blog gave it a 4.5 out of 5 which means a lot more then whatever critic has to say.

Mates of States plays the brand of indie pop or twee pop that I seem to enjoy (is there a really a certain brand? I may be talking out of my ass). It’s one of those bands where I say to myself why the fuck haven’t I heard about them before?

“Re-Arrange Us” begins off with the hit “Get Better”. A wonderful number which starts with a cute little piano introduction and the lyrics “forget your politics for awhile, let the color schemes arrive” which seems to resonate throughout the song. It’s a great pop song…nothing great lyrically but sung really well and ultimately very catchy.

The second track…seems like it’s going to be a power pop number but this one actually got more on my nerves after a few listens. I can’t tolerate repeated choruses/hooks…if something is catchy I want it to be brilliant. Unfortunately “now” repeated 10 times is 9 times too many. My Only Offer features Jason Hammel on vocals, which finally gets back to the pop goodness that I would argue that I’m looking for. The song still simplistic but it’s at least worth your time. I would say the same about The Re-Arranger, which is a good pop song but at least with a little better craftsmanship though the vocals are not as solid.

After awhile it gets tedious for me to review the rest of the album. Not that the rest of the album is bad but like the rest of the album, it’s just solid. Rock solid but sometimes rocks are boring (what the heck am I saying…rocks are boring!)

It’s hard to be critical of a pop band who definitely seems to do something right with their songs. I may not be a big fan of their album but I still think it’s decent. Comparable to The Submarines and Headlights.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Get Better by Mates of State

My Only Offer by Mates of State

Buy this album at: Insound/CD Universe/Amazon