It's summer here in the states, and although I've been listening to (delightful) French band Phoenix long before the start of the season, I can't say I've ever felt the 'sun and surf' quite as acutely as I have and do while they're coming out of the speakers. That's not to say the band is only good for downtime at the beach; it's quite the opposite. They're so deliciously appealing, I can't imagine anyone willingly turning them off for any reason. But why the summer comparison? It's simple: Phoenix makes a certain atmosphere with their albums, a certain mood and a certain statement. They know what they're doing and they know how to do it well. They also have something of a soul, a great, refreshing impression about them that makes it incredibly easy to like them immediately. They don't fiddle around like spring, a season I loathe with all my ability. I don't know how they manage to do all that and still make dance music, but damn it, they do.

Their latest album, “Alphabetical,” is a continuation of the light electronica-dance themes of their previous album, “United,” another excellent listen. Almost every song on “Alphabetical” is a hit, undeniably catchy and undeniably attractive. The album, along with Thomas Mars' vocals, is pure, sensual but not sexual, a little dreamy, a little nostalgic, and very, very addictive. On that note, Phoenix is the least French-sounding band I've ever heard (I'm looking at equally delicious but heavily accented duo Air). I can barely tell Mars is singing with a non-native tongue. Sure, some of the words are sung with a bit of a loop, but I'm of the opinion that Mars' pronunciations make the songs even more fantastic.

Songs like You Can't Blame It On Anybody and Holdin' On Together are just some of the songs that Mars elevates with his sweet (but not syrupy) and tender vocals. I don't know how the band does it, but some of the songs on this album are constructed in such a way that it's impossible to tire of them. There is a romance and an innocence to the band and the album that should please most music fans, whether or not they've previously enjoyed the likes of Air or Zoot Woman, some of the more famous bands that Phoenix is usually compared to. Although Phoenix does fall into the same sort of category as these other bands, I think it's fair to say that they offer more warmth than their counterparts manage to communicate. Is that reason enough to enjoy the band? It's really up to you. Some might prefer a robotic chill with their dance music, but then again, a little human feeling can attract just as many followers.

There's no reason to delay picking up “Alphabetical,” or trying anything of Phoenix as soon as possible. I know it's dance music, and I know they're French, but together, French dance music is one of mankind's greatest accomplishments. To believe, just try Everything is Everything, If It's Not With You, Victim of the Crime,or one of the songs mentioned above. If you're like me and you're on a quest to consume as many catchy songs as you can before you die, you can't afford to dismiss Phoenix.