Music that rules

Fantasies

Metric

Last Gang Records, 2009

Produced by James Shaw

Artists: Emily Haines (lead vocals)

      Joules Scott-Key

      James Shaw

      Josh Winstead

Genre: Canadian Indie-pop

Listen if: You like synth-heavy alternative pop with a national edge

Best for: Older teens (16+ - there's some minimal questionable language)  who like pop hooks and clever lyrics

If you like it, try: Stars

Rating: 4/5

Fantasies is the fourth effort from Canadian indie-pop band Metric. Emily Haines and co. Based out of Toronto, the band has a is poppy, with lots of catchy hooks and heavy synth. But unlike more manufactured pop, the band has a distinct sound and interesting lyrics ("after all this is gone/who would you rather be/ The Beatles or the Rolling Stones?/ Oh seriously/ You gotta make mistakes, you're young").

Fantasies is a catchy, addictive album that will appeal to teens who aren't into top 40 music, and want something mellow but fun. With songs like "Gimme Sympathy" , "Sick Muse", "Help, I'm alive" and "Twilight Galaxy", the band talks about growing up in a surreal, imagistic way. Metric isn't marketed as strictly "teen" music the way artists like Taylor Swift and the Jonas Brothers are, but they have a lot of teen appeal. This is an album you to over and over and get something new out of it in every listen.

Providing teens access to good Canadian music is something I think all Canadian libraries have a responsibility to do, especially local indie music. Metric's Fantasies would be a great addition to a young adult collection.