August 4, 2006 | Posted by David B. at 1:13 PM

You've got to be joking

the (american) bees

I think there are a couple different kinds of summer songs: there are the hyperactive ones, such as "Crazy In Love," that become your car soundtrack for a couple months; then there are the mellow songs, like much of Iron & Wine's Endless Numbered Days, that go well with that late-afternoon, post-cookout hour.

This song is somewhere in between. It's certainly not hyperactive, but it's also got this fun breeziness that's hard to shake, perfect for your hazy Friday afternoon.

The Bees (U.S.) - Imaginary Girl.

The Bees (U.S.) are so named because a British band already claimed "The Bees" and got testy when this Nashville quartet tried to use the moniker. (Be consoled, The [English] Beat and [London] Suede! You too, Dios [Malos]!)

Anyway, these guys have gotten some nice attention lately, from NPR to some promotion from Paste magazine.

This song is from their new record High Society, and it has basically all I want in a pop song, minus the bells and handclaps (perhaps it's time for a remix, Bees? We'll talk): witness the effortless, McCartney-like vocals and sparkly 12-string guitar from Daniel Tashian; the poptastic piano from Jason Lehning. "Imaginary Girl," at 2:28, is also the perfect length. It fits in a little 12-string solo, a kind of piano-guitar-vocal breakdown, and a lilting exit.

High Society is available from CD Baby.

PS Hey British Bees, do you offer free relationship advice? Didn't think so. Suckas!

Comments

But I thought the British Bees changed their name to A Band of Bees?

Posted by: Jeff at August 4, 2006 4:05 PM

yeah, but they still go by the bees too. they are a phenomenal band, i think. that last record kind of messed my whole perspective up.

Posted by: collin at August 5, 2006 12:21 AM

The backing track sounds a *lot* like Nina Simone's "My Baby Just Cares For Me," doesn't it? Same progression, same swing feel. It's a lovely song, but wow—just shameless. It's not just me, is it?

Posted by: Jack Fear at August 7, 2006 11:46 AM
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