The Pop Corporation

Tchotchke are one of the finest groups on the planet right now, and have had a run of albums that are as wonderful as they are unique.

Mixing cute-as-a-button pop with tough ’60s girl group beat and dreamy psychedelia, the girls have a new album out – ‘Playin’ Dumb’ – which had us ranting and raving about how great they are.

And we weren’t the only ones.

For those who live Stateside, you have a chance to catch them on the road and here in Europe, we’ll have to keep our eyes and ears open if the group come over again. We saw them on the Lemon Twigs tour and they’re a force to be reckoned with on stage.

In lieu of shows, we got the chance to ask Tchotchke to contribute to our 10 Songs With feature and it’s predictably full of fuzzy guitars, and sweet melodies with a bit of bite.

‘Playin’ Dumb’ is out now. Be sure to follow them on Instagram so you can keep up with what they’re up to, here.

Now, let’s sit down with Tchotchke, and find out what ten songs are currently making them tick.

1.“Every1’s a Winner” – Hot Chocolate

We’ve collectively loved this one for so long! We’ve joked about it being our perfect walk out
song, though we’ve never oficially had one.

It has that suspense building bass line and an
unforgettable riff with just the right amount of fuzz. Not to mention how well it ties into our
obsession with games… maybe we’ll walk out to it someday! – Emily

2. The Caravelles – “Don’t Blow Your Cool“

While working on vocal arrangements for our new album, I found myself listening to the
Caravelles constantly. Their music brings me a sense of calm and happiness, and this song
especially became my mantra whenever the process felt overwhelming.

They also do the prettiest versions of “Don’t Sing Love Songs” and “True Love Never Runs Smooth.” – Eva

3. “Like a Summer Rain” – Jan and Dean

This song is so hypnotizing, you can lose yourself in the scenery the music creates in your head.

The lyrics are simple yet efective and have the ability to dig up sentimental and longing
feelings that you never thought you had.

It’s so romantic! – Anastasia

4. “Flip Flop” – The Delicates

This song is light-hearted and has lovely harmonies… it’s been stuck in my head many
times.

It’s lyrically simple and all about love but at the same time is one of those that will
noticeably uplift you, at least it really does for me. – Emily

5. “The Nest” – Jeannie Piersol

I found this song on Youtube in 2015 and still think it’s so cool. Our high school band ended up
covering it and Darby Slick commented “I wrote this” on the video.

We were so excited. Unless it was someone pretending to be him… but I really don’t think so.

And this song was finally released on streaming services this year! – Eva

6. “Symphony in Blue” Kate Bush

This woman is a poet! Such a beautifully written ballad, it’s able to paint such vivid imagery
while the melody sweeps you away into her inner sanctum.

She’s always been a hugely influential part of my musical journey and given me the confidence to sing in a high register, even when it feels silly. – Anastasia

7. “Hot Fun In The Summertime” – Sly & The Family Stone

This one is deeply nostalgic; it pulls on my heartstrings from the very first measure. The
opening piano chords always slow me down and take me to another time and place.

I almost can’t keep listening to it unless it’s under the right circumstances. – Emily

8. “I Never Believed In Love” – Annie Haslam

I could never get tired of Annie Haslam, but I can get tired of Renaissance (which is how I found
this album in the first place). I felt so lucky to discover basically another Roy Wood album, but
with the voice of an angel.

Every song is incredible, but this duet with Annie & Roy (who wrote this song and produced, played, and even did the artwork for the album) is the sweetest sound! – Eva

9. “Peter” – Peter Ives

Peter Ivers is one of my favorites of all time. His voice is so freaky, I’m in love!

This recording is an experience, him singing in a 3rd person about himself. It’s incredibly honest in the most absurd, bittersweet ways.

10. “Blue Shadows” – BB King

I recently discovered that my dad’s high school band “The Blue Shadows” coined their name
from this B.B. King song. He’s always told me stories about what their shows were like in the
60s and they’ve had several reunions since, but I didn’t know about the band name origin until
this year.

Admirable soloing and vibrato…I’ve always loved B.B.’s playing style! – Emily