This week, I decided to invite a friend to help me write "Listener's Digest." So, without further ado, allow me to introduce my close friend, this empty chair. 

Me: So Chair, what did you think about this week's new batch of songs?
Chair: ...
Me: Would you say they are, overall, a somewhat wistful soundtrack to the end of summer?
Chair: ...
Me: Well, I don't agree on your stance on the President and I don't see what that has to do with this week's new music.
Chair: ...
Me: Don't tell me you actually saw that Dinesh D'Souza movie?
Chair: ...
Me: No, I don't think that is what is called for to "bring this country back on track." What track?
Chair: ...
Me: That is just unfounded paranoia. You know what, I think this conversation is over. There is new music to write about.
Chair: ...
Me: Yes, I will see you for the premiere of Dr. Who tomorrow. 

Elite Gymnastics – “Andreja 4-Ever:” Elite Gymnastics’ first release as James Brooks’ solo project also represents a shift for the Minnesota electronic act. “Andreja 4-Ever” is a decidedly clearer and more poppy release, reminiscent of the closing track off of the Go Teams’ (remember them?) debut, “Everyone is a VIP to Someone.” The similarities are striking and both tracks cast a certain wistful mood. So, this is a really great track considering that summer is ending and many of you young types have gone back to school. Not me though, summer forever!

Pure Bathing Culture – “Gainesville:” This sparse and slinky track is the first single from Pure Bathing Culture’s debut EP, which will be out later this fall. A minimal track with an easy rhythm, the song drifts by dreamily. At first, this song seems like a Purity Ring clone; however, the chorus quickly dispels that comparison.

Flock of Dimes – “Curtain:” A lush and orchestral track from Wye Oak’s Jenn Wasner. Reminscent of Stereolab at their more sweeping, the song is  coated in reverb to the point of distortion. The effect makes “Curtain” stand out considerably beyond its already tight composition. A really great, powerful song.

The Shilohs – “Private Lives:” To call this song a pastiche of 1970’s easy rock might be an understatement. The Shilohs have apparently been sent to us via time machine. The A-Side off of a forthcoming single from Matt Mondanile’s (Real Estate and Ducktails) New Images label, “Private Lives” is a simple piece of guitar rock that easily sounds like it was made in 1975 and was a major part of your parents’ record collection.  

Sky Ferreira - "Everything is Embarrassing:" This came on accidently while I was listening to a different song. It was this week's most pleasant surprise. From a forthcoming EP (why all the EPs these days?) , this simple and smooth track was produced by Ariel Rechtshaid and Blood Orange's Dev Hynes.