The Sonic Parthenon Playlist: Summer 2011, Vol. 2

Mister Heavenly - "Pineapple Girl"
Fine and dandy like sour...pineapple...no. Just a fine song.

Motopony - "King of Diamonds"
Motopony may make it big. Not only do they have a buzz going, NPR loves the hell out of this song for between-story music. Their look and their bio do not match this sound.

Pickwick - "Hacienda Hotel"
All I keep thinking is Orson Welles' pronunciation of "PICKWICK!" in his adaptation of the Pickwick Papers.

Sea Monsters - "These Days"
Put these guys on the bill with Ted Leo, the Gaslight Anthem, and that Hold Steady band and I'll be very happy indeed. This song is immense.

Smoove and Turrell - "Hard Work"
Requisite retro soul entry.

Stone Darling - "All I Wanna Do"
A very nice dash of some more of that slightly-trippy pop music.

Frank Turner - "I Am Disappeared"
Strong ballad.

Wild Flag - "Romance"
Last but not least, the band redefining the concept of a supergroup. Not just super for arising from an assortment of respected, beloved bands, but super for what they are doing now. This is tantamount to Audioslave for Indie people.

Honorable Mentions:
Pink Mink - "Ghost Bike"
Ceremony - "Not Tonight"
Bootsy Collins - "JB-Still the Man, featuring Rev. Al Sharpton" (Novelty song of the year)
Gomez - "Options"