Put Phoenix on Repeat

I wonder if bands like Phoenix actually write down lyrics such as "You're going hey hey hey hey hey hey" or "Rome, Rome, Rome, Rome." Either way, singer Thomas Mars' vocals on Phoenix's Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix are hypnotic and refreshing, and the band delivers a playful experience with a variety of guitar noises at every turn. They're a band of Frenchies, who have been known to lose every war they have ever fought, but Phoenix has victoriously made a relevant and popular alternative album in the year 2009 (it somewhat crushes me to use the term "alternative" - it' s like I'm admitting I listen to 3 Doors Down). Plus they sounded great on Saturday Night Live, where most bands sound like a castrated version of their former selves (eh hem, Kings of Leon). Go ahead and get Wolfgang, and let's hope for many repeat performances from Phoenix for years to come. Phoenix loves scarves.