'sometimes you've just gotta make it for yourself'

San Francisco band Girls recently put out their debut release, Album. It's beautiful and sad and sunny and cold and warm all at the same time. It sounds like the soul of Elvis Costello wrung through unmentionable childhood heartache. The lead singer grew up in a cult with his family. His older brother died when he was young because their cult didn't believe in medical treatment. His mother was forced into prostitution to provide for the family by cult members. Sad stuff, etc. etc. But this album is about a different type of sadness. The type of sadness found only after a heartache.

The chorus to "Hellhole Ratrace" really says it all.

And I don't want to cry my whole life through.
i want to do some laughing too.
So come on, come on, come on, come on, laugh with me.
And I dont want to die without shaking up a thing or two.
Yeah, I want to do some dancing too.
So come on, come on, come on, come on, dance with me.

Seriously, get this album. It's worth it. Best thing I've heard this year.