If you were a guy and a gal who played wonky (yet trippy) pop songs, where would you rather be than Drag City? The long-time home of Royal Trux (whose 7" was actually the label's first release) and many, many other off-kilter artists is the perfect spot for Cate Le Bon and Tim Presley to plant their freak flag.

Drinks Hippo Lite (Drag City)

Although there is plenty of tweeness (is that a word? I think so), the strength of this set lies in its straightforward song construction. If you lay the bones out in the proper places, you can adorn them with about anything. And Drinks is all about the adorning.

Drag City claims that its releases are "Guaranteed to satisfy the most tolerant listener." And Drinks, who bring to mind a kinder, gentler Red Krayola, are probably a bit too out there for the average American. Or the average Martian, for that matter. Neither Le Bon nor Presley sing in a conventional manner, and their songs are populated with unusual instrumentation--and instruments that are played in unconventional ways.

And yet, these are pop songs. They've got verses, choruses and demented hooks in the usual places. The beauty may be a little strange, but it is glorious nonetheless.

Jon Worley