We’ve been having some internal talks here at the Muffin for what we will be bringing you with AM2.  And it was during one of these discussions that Bootsy described me as thus:

pretty sentimental music tastes for a dude thus providing you with all the classic allure of a mixed tape from the 8th grade

How dare you!  Well, not to disappoint my 8th grade fans, I feel compelled to write about Clare and the Reasons.  Betsy you win.

Clare and the Reasons are currently working on a new album (according to their MySpace Page).  I came across them a few days ago because of an email I received from Baeble Music, a site that has some pretty cool videos of live indie shows.

You can catch the performance that caught my attention at the bottom of this post.  Their line-up consists of a group of musicians working every type of stringed instrument under the sun.  And this may be the type of band that won’t peak your interest until you’ve seen them live.  The singer has a cute voice and the songs are uplifting and almost catchy – but it is the impression their musicianship makes on you that turns you into a fan.  And honestly, when you get to the song Pluto in the video and the violinist starts to pluck the strings sans bow – it doesn’t get much better than that.

The songs I’m throwing up are from late 2007 – so hopefully their current album-under-construction will earn them a little more exposure.  Oh – and they are from Brooklyn – so take that East Coast Muffin Crew (Train, Sydney C, Ad Rock)! Performance video!

Clare and the Reasons – Rodi

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Clare and the Reasons – Pluto

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And I have noticed that Foote and Train like to give bonuses – as if the amazing music they are telling you about isn’t enough.  Well don’t take this as pandering – but I’ve got a bonus for you today.  And in the spirit of Train’s Axel Foley inspired posts – it is a cover…oh, and give it to about 50 seconds before you feel it…