First base wins first place (in our hearts)

In the past couple of years, there has been a sudden influx of bands mixing bubblegum pop with fuzzed-out noise rock, including Wavves, Vivian Girls, and the Pains of Being Pure at Heart.

First Base, an anonymous one-man band from Ontario, has received none of the publicity of the bands listed above, but his sugary lo-fi pop is just as infectious. Recorded using the most rudimentary methods (Windows Sound Recorder), First Base juxtaposes dirty electric guitars against goofy toy keyboards and then cranks the volume until it all distorts. The lyrics are rendered almost indecipherable by thick vocal harmonies, which bring to mind the Beach Boys run through a fuzzy PA system. There’s even a dash of rockabilly thrown in for good measure; it might be called the blues, if only it weren’t so euphorically happy.

The band does not yet have an album, but released a cassette single through Pizza Party Records, which promply sold out. The MySpace tunes are updated regularly, so check back frequently to hear the latest. Especially make sure to listen to “First Base,” a perfect summer pop song with a driving electronic drumbeat doubtless culled from a cheap keyboard’s pre-set beats. As much as I love Belle & Sebastian, this is the best eponymously-titled song I’ve ever heard.