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Staff Playlist

“Mean Streets”
TENNIS
This indie Denver trio releases its new Richard Swift-produced EP Small Sound on Nov. 5, and while name-checking the famous Martin Scorsese movie, lead track “Mean Streets” is a funky flow lifted high by Ailana Moore’s vocals to create a strutting pop confection.

“El rito”
DESTROYER
Last we heard from Destroyer, the band was swimming in early-’80s slow jam territory. Now, Spanish musician Antonio Luque has written songs for new release Five Spanish Songs. This track is all crunchy pop guitars, hand claps and Dan Bejar easing into his rolled R’s.

“I Luv the Valley OH!”
SHEARWATER
For its second Sub Pop album, Fellow Travelers, Shearwater is tackling and rerecording some songs from its friends. Among the cover choices are tunes originated by Wye Oak, Coldplay, Clinic and St. Vincent, and this haunting track from Xiu Xiu that simply never gets old.

“Another Story”
THE HEAD AND THE HEART
The sophomore album from this Seattle-based band proves these musicians aren’t just another batch of pretty indie faces. Emotional, nostalgic lyrics and seamless harmonies remain strengths, especially on this song written in response to last year’s tragic Newtown shootings.