2000 Great Songs #1292: Build Havana
A nifty indie pop song that's probably doubly-obscure. After a few 90s power pop records with the under-appreciated Cotton Mather, frontman Robert Harrison put together a side project called Future Clouds & Radar. Their 2007 self-titled debut felt like the ultimate DIY baroque pop extravaganza, two CDs that mashed up Jellyfish and Game Theory / Loud Family and various Elephant 6 acts along with the White Album . It bounces between skewed yet catchy power pop and more experimental studio indulgences, occasionally great. "Build Havana" is probably the most straightforward indie pop track, some percolating percussion and a gentle melody that calls to mind singer-songwriter Freedy Johnston , a surprisingly poignant pop tune that deserves more love. Here's your chance! Live 2008: Cover by Bob Fenster & friends:
