ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Little Joy

Little Joy is not a new band. In fact, I don’t believe they even are still in existence anymore. The Brazilian/American group was formed for a few fortuitous months in 2007, when Los Hermanos singer Rodrigo Amarante and The Strokes’ drummer Fabrizio Moretti rented a house with Moretti’s girlfriend, singer Binki Shapiro, and produced the perfect album.

I’m very strict in my rankings and classifications of albums, but Little Joy’s self-named work is my favorite CD of all time. Every song is good. Every song hits me. I first found them via the song “Unattainable,” which was featured on the soundtrack of “Whip It,” my favorite Ellen Page, girl-power, f*ck-things-up-and-hit-people movie. (If you’ve seen the movie, it’s the song that starts playing when Page is in the attic of the party house and puts on a vinyl).

“Next Time Around” is by far the catchiest song on the album, and was actually recently featured in a Volkswagon commercial of all things. Other top picks include “Don’t Watch Me Dancing” and “How To Hang a Warhol.” Though really, it is an album that is best enjoyed all together. Be sure to check out their Brazilian love song, “Evaporar.”

To me, this is the perfect summer album.

1. The Next Time Around

2. Brand New Start

3. Play The Part

4. No One’s Better Sake

5. Unattainable

6. Shoulder to Shoulder

7. With Strangers

8. Keep Me In Mind

9. How To Hang A Warhol

10. Don’t Watch Me Dancing

11. Evaporar