We don’t smile enough. Winter is approaching, work is dreadful, the commute sucks, your neighbors keep making weird and loud “home” videos. The world is a scary and mean place.

Don’t fret though, because Matt and Kim and their brand spanking new release, Sidewalks, are here to bring that smile back to your face. Very few bands do this kind of pop better, and nothing has changed with their third full length album. From start to finish, the listener is never once treated to any bouts of melancholy or despair. Matt and Kim’s best quality remains their ability to not lose sight of what they do best; being their cheerful selves.

They are on the brink of being firmly placed in the top 40 (almost every song works on the radio: see top 3 on Itunes right now and this), yet the duo have also found a way to make their music contain real lasting power. While they won’t ever be confused for Radiohead, Matt and Kim’s infectious music has the  ability to cause a skip in your step, to ignore the high winds, and to not realize you have been a train for over an hour. What more could you ask for? I don’t like numerical ratings, but if forced I would give this album a “kid going to Disney World for the first time” on the fun scale.

I get to see them on Thursday, be jealous. Remember: Buy. Listen. Repeat.

MP3: Matt and Kim – Wires

MP3: Matt and Kim – Block after Block

* you are god darn right I used the phrase *skip in your step*