The 6ths - Wasps' Nests

Stephin Merritt is by far my favorite living pop song writer. I can almost honestly say that not a day goes by that one of his songs (-hundreds of songs released under almost as many band names) doesn't get stuck in my head. Heartbreaking melodies with words that make fun of heartbreaking melodies. His lyrics are hilarious, depressing, haunting, and joyful all at the same time.

The 6ths' first album was created by Merritt as a tribute to himself. Apparently he felt the need to create one since no one else had by 1996. As with many of his recordings up to this point, Merritt wrote and plays each instrument on these songs. Each track (other than one) has a guest artist to fill in the vocal duties: everyone from Mark Robinson (Unrest, Flin Flon), Chris Knox (Tall Dwarfs), Mac McCaughan (Merge Recs, Portastatic, Superchunk), Anna Domino, Ayako Akashiba, Mitch Easter, and Lou Barlow.

Here's a couple songs from the debut album, "Wasps' Nests," which furthers the tongue-twister of the project name. Georgia Hubley (a love of my life second only to Ro Nay Nay) from Yo La Tengo guests on the first one, followed by Dean Wareham from Galaxie 500 and Dean & Britta. Perfect summer pop. I absolutely adore the production of both of these songs, but the Arthur Russell-esque drum sound on Georgia's song.

Movies in My Head (feat. Georgia Hubley)

Falling Out of Love (With You) (feat. Dean Wareham)