If you were to ask me who my favorite bands from the other side of the states (meaning NYC) are, The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart would definitely be part of that list I would ramble off and they would also probably be near the top. They perfectly combine the right amount of distortion on top of pop melodies and any of song of theirs is the perfect soundtrack to an afternoon after school where you’re riding your bike (preferably one with a straw basket covered with flowers) on a sunny day. That may have been a saccharine-sweet description but they give me the same feeling The Smiths give me – it’s just a bit more modern. Also, they’re definitely not syrupy indie pop with lyrics containing phrases like “Christ and heroin.”

They’re getting ready to release a new album sometime in Spring 2011 and to tide us over (although this will barely do because I’m so excited) they’re releasing a split single, “Say No To Love/Lost Saint” this week. So far, so good. Check the tracks out below. I’ve also included the remixed track of “Higher Than the Stars” by Saint Etienne.

Mp3: The Pains of Being Pure At Heart – Say No To Love

Mp3: The Pains of Being Pure At Heart – Lost Saint

Mp3: The Pains of Being Pure At Heart – Higher Than The Stars (Saint Etienne Visits Lord Spank Mix)