If you champion indie pop with a cool alt-rock undertow, Los Angeles band You Me & Iowa deserves a chance to win a spot in your digital jukebox. The band’s second album, The Adventures of You Me & Iowa, is neatly crafted and features bouncy rhythms and more than a few melodies that will stick in your head for a while. If you remember the ‘80’s band the Housemartins, you’re going to fall in love with the song “Tommy Hall,” easily the best track on this set. But there is a lot more going on, and in the end You Me & Iowa comes off as a more upbeat Death Cab (“Dress the Stage”) or a more mature Daphne Loves Derby (“Margaret Mourning”). We’ll even forgive them for the Barenaked Ladies’ sound-alike, “Goldfish,” because most of this album is full of twists and turns, yet is very easy on the ears. (LABEL: Scrimshaw Jazz)
