Skip to content
Spotlight

CSS

080718_CSS_main.jpg

What? When Brazilian nightlife aficionados CSS hit North America with their bratty self-titled debut — playfully prodding Paris Hilton and copulating to Death from Above — inhibited Yankees rejoiced inside, but only coyly shuffled their feet. Call that a warm-up. Donkey, out July 22 via Sub Pop, finds the group tighter and more aware, but still eager to bring the beat with less patience for the weak-kneed. On the spunky single “Rat is Dead (Rage)” and demanding groover “Reggae All Night,” whirring synths and squirming bass get you all wound up.

Who? Cansei de Ser Sexy, better known as CSS, were notorious South American party kids steaming up São Paulo nights before their 2006 eponymous debut turned them into indie sensations as a fresh, slinky breed of electro-rock mavens. Singer Lovefoxxx is feisty and forward, often found dancing with the audience, and is backed by Donkey producer/vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Adriano Cintra, keyboardist/guitarist Ana Rezende, and guitarist/drummers Carolina Parra and Luiza Sa.

Fun Fact: The band’s song “Music is My Hot Hot Sex” was used in a television commercial for Apple’s iPod Touch after 18-year-old student Nick Haley made a YouTube video pairing the product to the tune, which inspired by the line, “My music is where I’d like you to touch.” Haley was then contacted by Apple to create a professional version of the ad.

Now Hear This: CSS, “Rat Is Dead (Rage)”(DOWNLOAD MP3)