I was looking in vain for YouTube footage of Orange Juice playing “Moscow Olympics” and discovered that there’s a band named after the song. You’d guess such a band would be pretty good, and you’d be right. But you might not guess they’d be from the Philippines! I didn’t know before tonight that there’s a healthy scene of Filipino bands making pop records that sound like they were made 15 years ago in Sweden — see and hear, for instance, The Wentletraps. (I like the instrumental “Vignettes.”) I’d like to hear their cover of “Just Like Honey,” but I can’t find it online. OK, maybe you knew there was a Filipino twee pop scene — but did you know there was a Filipino Christian twee pop scene? These guys can’t be the only Christian pop band in the world called “Grace Period” but I’ll bet they’re the best. (Listen: “Can’t Get Away From You.”)
Anyway, if this is all too bright and sweet for you, cleanse that palate with a really disturbing ukulele version of “Helter Skelter” by Karinne Keithley. OK, I’ll concede this is bright and sweet too. But in a “Helter Skelter” kind of way.
Update: Hey, here’s the Wentletraps playing “Just Like Honey”:
Quomodocumque 