Altered Zones

We've been flattened by the colossal joy of Magic Kids and their runaway, orchestral pop pocket-symphonies for a good minute now, ever since falling for the timeless teenage romance and throwback '50s prom-pop smarts of debut single "Hey Boy" last year. That song re-appears here on their debut album proper-- alongside a clutch of other impeccably arranged, impossibly infectious jams that see the Memphis group not merely emulate, but actively join the ranks of some of the most revered names in "classic" pop music. The spirit of the likes of Brian Wilson, Van Dyke Parks, and Scott Walker can all be found occupying the beautifully simply titled Memphis, in the way they conjure huge universal sentiment from tiny scenarios and everyday minutiae. Take "Superball", posted here, a soaringly string-laden, colorful little garage-pop bottlerocket of an ode to the toy of the same name that is as sincere and heartfelt as any conventional love song in memory. (via Transparent)

MP3: Magic Kids: "Superball"

Memphis is released through True Panther Sounds and can be purchased or downloaded here