Can't Miss Artist of the Week - Week Four

CSS

MySpace, Official Site

Sound Breakdown and Analysis

Cansei de ser Sexy, Portuguese for "I got tired of being sexy", is now a five piece band from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Their name reportedly came about after an off-the-cuff remark singer Beyonce made regarding her fame. The moniker captures the self-assurance of CSS and goes well with the feel and flow of the band. You already may be familiar with the iPod selling song, "Musk Is My Hot Hot Sex" from the self-titled first album which came out in 2006. This particular tune demonstrates the flair and tenacity of their production. They make fun, pop culture referenced, electrodance rock which falls into the indie pop realm as well.

Their second full length album, Donkey, dives into yet another area of sound. Donkey features a harder, 90's alt-rock edged feel, which lead singer Lovefoxxx explains came about despite touring almost nonstop for the past two years. She gives an in depth interview to Pitchfork Media here about the album making process. Even though the lead singles, "Rat Is Dead (Rage)" and "Left Behind", are in line with this alternative feel, CSS still knocks out the synth pop rock that made them so infectious in tracks "Move" and "How I Became Paranoid". All these songs are currently spinning on their MySpace page.

Why You Should Be Listening

Donkey shows the range this band can have beyond its sound inception. Besides the fact that CSS provides the dance and song beats to move along with, they have a very exciting live show which captures their energy levels. I speak on word of mouth here, since I have yet to see them live, eben though I had a chance at last year's Lollapalooza just to suffer from their flight to Chicago being delayed. :(

Listeners will also enjoy their recent cover versions of the Breeders' alt-rock classic, "Cannonball", on a "B-side of the "Left Behind" single which came out July 14th, as well as the new Bloc Party single, "Mercury". Look for these songs wherever available.

Release Date: July 22, 2008

Overall Artist Rating: 8.5 out of 10 for evolution of sound!