Diskettes

Canada seems to have a habit lately of generating outsider-tinged weirdo music, the Sick Lipstick, Barmitzvah Brothers and Barcelona Pavilion being the most recent examples. An entirely other breed of outsiderdom resides in the odd universe of the Diskettes, who, armed solely with shakers, maracas and a guitar, construct ridiculously catchy sing-along songs with alarming proficiency. The self-described "doo-wop duo" of Emily Beliveau and David Barclay have honed their wobbly chops at back yard shows and pool parties across the country, and this first official release feels like a surreal smash-hits soundtrack to a socks-and-sandals holiday camp. It's stupidly fun, wholesome music, and the Diskettes have quite a knack for arranging their admittedly often-wanting vocals. They succeed by never trying to do more than they are capable of, which is quite a lot, actually. After the winsome dork-pop of "Come on Over" and their little gem "ABCs of Love" they have a go at the bossa nova, and a mildly painful reworking of Satie's "Gymnopedie.” It's unclear why they end with a muddled (and very demo) version of "Girl with Sunglasses," though it sounds suspiciously as though it were recorded live in a boat. Be wary listening to this, because you might find yourself wandering aimlessly in the mall, crooning "Mr. Lee, Mr Lee!" Someone send these kids to Summer Achievement camp with Ronnie Spector already.