I have a few weaknesses. They include, but aren’t limited to: sunny days, puppies and swoony indie bands with poignant lyrics. Nada Surf falls into the last category. You probably know them for their big hit, “Popular,” which came out in 1996 and really resonated with me, being in high school at the time. Their later efforts weren’t nearly as, well, popular. But they were really, really good.

I discovered Let Go and The Weight is a Gift last year, sort of by accident. A friend had the albums and I, in a musical slump, decided to take a listen. I was blown away. The band’s mature, stimulating lyrics were coupled with catchy pop tunes and sometimes painful songs. Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie helped produce The Weight is a Gift, and it shows. It’s a work of thoughtfully crafted songs in the same tradition as DCFC’s distinct sound (some standouts include “Blankest Year” and “Inside of Love”).

Nada Surf’s fifth album, Lucky, will be released on February 5th while they tour the states. Lucky is another solid album with more of the laid back California-style (though the band hails from New York) that makes them charming. “See These Bones,” the first track, features Ben Gibbard (DCFC connection number two). Check out “Weightless” and “Beautiful Beat” for a guest spot from one of my other favourite artists, Ed Harcourt. The tracks all reflect a band that’s grown up over the past thirteen years. They’re honest and emotional, and write from an adult perspective. You can listen to Lucky in its entirety on the band’s MySpace page and see them on tour this spring. See below for Canadian tour dates.

Vancouver – March 29th – Commodore Ballroom
Toronto – April 7th – Opera House
Montreal – April 8th – Club Soda

You’re welcome,

SS