Periodically, I muster enough angst from living in the Philly area for most of my life to make charged declarations like, “Screw Filthadelphia, I’m moving to New York…and far away from SEPTA!” Luckily, I can snap back to reality by reminding myself of all the music and art here that I love.

Steven Ward James and Jayson Scott Musson of Philly-based duo American Sneakers are a reason to stay put. Their rollicking, Stephin Merritt-esque tunes are providing the current soundtrack for my pedestrian exploits around the city.

And they’ve got some enticing album art to boot! Upon further comparison, I must say that I find the design of their most recent picture album Finito/CIA (2007) owns that of The Magnetic Fields’ Distortion (in my humble opinion). It was done by Philly artist Jim Houser, whose graphic paintings and installation work are a personal fave.

I am much obliged to Steven for this new track from American Sneakers’ upcoming album Nothing but Nothing, due out this May on Free News Projects.

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American Sneakers – Lucky

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