I’ve admitted to being a bit of a pop-tart before, so hopefully this post won’t come as a shock to anyone. I did grow up in the 80′s/90′s, after all. But I like to pretend to myself that I like my pop a little smarter…jeez, it’s not like I’m a Hilary Duff fan. (note to self: hide T-shirt…)
That’s where the Ting Tings come in. They’re pop, no doubt about it, but
A. They’re British, which makes them somewhat intellectual just by breathing that British air. Right? Riggght.
and B. They list the Tom Tom Club and Talking Heads as influences. Where do I sign?
And if that’s not enough, they have this deliciously laissez faire attitude about the fact that they’ve pretty much blown up. The bio on their website claims that they just enjoyed making music with each other, and that by their 4th house party in England, American record execs were sitting on the floor checking them out. I know it’s disingenuous, and I know what actually goes into the viral marketing that makes such success appear effortless. But I still love a good Cinderella story.
They may be on their way for being too cool for school, as one of their songs is in a current Apple commercial (“Shut up and let me go”) and their US summer gigs are selling out. They’ll also be at Reading and Leeds festivals in the UK at the end of August, which scream “We’ve arrived”.
But for now, with the air heating up and my capacity to absorb weighty, meaningful lyrics at a premium, The Ting Tings are my favorite bad for your enamel treat.
Here’s a video for “Great DJ”- dare you to not get it in your head all day.
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