Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s featured selection, chosen by Afternoon Show host Kevin Cole, is Ten Years Younger
by Bubblegum Lemonade from the 2008 EP Ten Years Younger on Matinee Recordings.
As you’ve probably guessed from the name, Bubblegum Lemonade is at the forefront of the thrash metal scene. Ok, actually, the band, based in Glasgow and consisting primarily of a guy named Laz, specializes in lo-fi twee pop. Named after a 1969 Mama Cass Elliot album and with a 12-string Rickenbacker in hand, Bubblegum Lemonade easily brings to mind the best of the Byrds, the mystical pop of the Velvet Underground and on tracks like Unsafe At Any Speed,
the heavy reverb and production style of Jesus and Mary Chain. On the title track featured here, you’ll hear backing vocals from Sandra, Laz’ partner in crime on his other project, Strawberry Whiplash. Together these two are out to remind everyone that amazing bubbly pop music exists outside Sweden. For this debut solo EP, Laz goes so far as to cover That Thing You Do
by the fictional 1964 band The Wonders. Jose Gonzalez has nothing on that. Stay tuned to either of these two acts as things are just getting started.
