If the WB decides to make another show chronicling the banal woes of peroxide beautiful 20-somethings, Washington D.C’s Jukebox The Ghost could provide the perfect soundtrack. A mix between Rooney and Elliot Smith, the piano-driven indie pop is catchy and optimistically mellow-but-not-melancholy. Classically trained pianist Ben Thornwell (who’s also the lead singer) keeps things upbeat with chords that seldom dip into the minor keys. It would all seems a little too O.C sunny if it weren’t for their cynical lyrics— like the indifferent “I wish you were dead babe, I wish you were dead”, and “I’ve heard you sing and it ‘aint too well.” Jukebox The Ghost has toured relentlessly since 2006, opening for Ben Kweller, Kanye West, and Regina Spektor, and will play multiple sets at South By Southwest in Austin, TX later this month. The group finished their album Let Live and Let Ghosts (The Rebel Group, 2008), set for release mid-April. Radio hits “Hold it in” and “Good Day” are catchy, but virtually indistinguishable—the tracks on this album are perfect background, or road trip tunes. Put this CD on when you’re journaling in bed, lamenting with pen and paper about the boy who won’t love you, or the girl who cheated on you, only to realize your problems aren’t actually that big of a deal and it doesn’t matter because you’re young and hot and nothing really matters that much anyway.
By Erin E
