Planes in Front of the Sun

Strange Ranger

Formerly Sioux Falls — these guys keep shapeshifting and making music that’s artful and original. The post-grunge sound has faded and replaced with eclectic, genre-bending records.

I wanted to make an absurd, sort of Hal Hartley music video to this song, but didn’t have the nerve to ask them. They seem like the kind of band who like to control their output/image. And they have enough creative skills between them to make a solid video whenever they want one.

I love this band and look forward to each release. This indie-rock, indie-pop fusion on REMEMBERING THE ROCKETS is especially in the pocket for me. I love the Cure homage on track one and the sprawling, unpredictable song cycle that follows is refreshing. Just great songwriting and production. Easy to listen to.

Other highlights are Sunday, Message to You, Pete’s Hill and Living Free. But for some reason it’s this track that I’ve put on so many of my playlists. I love the surreal, sweet longing in the lyrics. The disillusionment and care-free melody.

Planes moving through the sky
I walk to work in fading light
Daddies with their kids
I still want that
I still feel sick

And I love the alien confession in the lyrics. The first time I heard it, it reminded me of college — when Annie and I would say to each other, “You’re from another planet.” ❤️