First, Start by Cranking up: “Trades and Tariffs” by the Dodos.

Then quickly, let me explain what constitutes a Song of the Week: It doesn’t have to be new – just new to you. Hell, it can even be something you’ve rediscovered. And it’s the kind of song you just can’t stop cranking up – in the morning as you crawl out of bed, ripping down the freeway with the windows open and the volume jacked, something to flip your mood when it’s grey, words that sum up where you (or the world at large) are at, and a melody that wraps around your mind like a pair of vice grips.

(And for the record, my Song of the Week doesn’t reflect the opinions of the rest of the End Hits staff, though I’m sure my selections are WAY better.)

Alright. So let’s cut the fucking around and if you haven’t already, listen to my Song of the Week: “Trades and Tariffs” by the Dodos, a radical two-piece from San Francisco, whom I became aware of as they shared a bill with Les Savy Fav.

I jumped at them because Les Savy Fav are, far and away, the greatest band in rock and roll today – cobras in the land of cats. Fresh poison. I say this without hesitation – they ARE the sound of modern rock and I trust their taste. But let’s not get carried away here – I’ll save the LSF Love In for another post. This is about the Dodos.

Meric Long is a mean ragtime finger-picker who somehow manages to make the sound modern. His lyrics are literary, soulful and heartfelt, and his melodies are keen. Drummer Logan Kroeber plays a minimal kit with aplomb. He beats the holy shit out of his few drums in highly syncopated, tight beats that twist the dynamics of otherwise basic rythms.

The band is barreling toward the release of their second full length (and first for French Kiss records — owned by Les Savy Fav). It’s due March 18th. In the meantime, there’s a whole lot of stuff on the internets to keep those salivary glands gushing. (Perhaps make your own CD in the meantime?)

Five live songs recorded by Daytrotter.

Plus a bunch more on the Dodos own website.

Also, a pretty simple, yet visceral and totally kickass music video.

Go Dodos!