This is a quick, "jot stuff down" post. How quick? I'm just writing it in the Cant entry field. That's how fast-paced and off the cuff this is. Admire it, for it is a rare and magical event.

I've been meaning to compile at least a semi-official Music You Should Be Listening To, You Tone-Deaf Philistines column for a while now. How long? The Eames Era released their second album in April. So since before then.

The Eames Era! Holy crap, people, you need to be listening to this band. You need to embrace and love, in all sorts of marginally illicit ways, their music. Bouncy, jangly guitar pop. How can you not love it? Their second album, even though it contains some wonky filler bits, is stuffed full of massively catchy songs. Go, listen, and tell me how utterly right I am.

And Howling Bells! Damn, this column has been the subject of much procrastination. I've actually gone from fawning adulation to the "Yeah, they're a really good band" level. More female-fronted pop, but with a strong Country influence. In a good way. None of that Shania Twain or "Lookit my big truck! Yee haw!" crap.

Now, Blood Red Shoes comes highly recommended, but might take a couple of listens to really get into. They're a bit raw, but obviously talented, and, basically, they kick ass. Very solid indie rock.

Now for a list of bands that sound good at first listen, but I haven't heard enough to fully recommend them:

• Sidecar Kisses: Hey! More female-fronted power pop! One might sense a theme, or something.
• The Garlands: Female-fronted indie pop. But they're from Sweden, so that's totally different. They're a bit twee, but not cloyingly so.
• Love Like Fire: Female-fronted indie rock. Which is more rock than the previous bands. Although I'm just quoting someone else about the "rock" part; I'm not really clear on the difference between "rock" and "power pop," and I imagine it's all made up, anyway. But, hey, a band from San Francisco! Rare thing, that.
• Halou: Speaking of bands from SF...I've mentioned Halou, haven't I? If not: Female-fronted electronica. Think Sneaker Pimps, but without the associated pretension.
• Finest Dearest: Another Bay Area band. Do I even need to describe it?

I'm forgetting a couple of bands, of course. But that will give me fodder for another column a few months from now.

Columns by Harlock