Nada Surf - out of the dark, 2016

"Out of the Dark" plays bright and has a tinge of nostalgia to it. It evokes comps to more 90's alt (which Nada Surf was obviously a part of). One aspect of the song that makes it pop is the use of horns throughout. They complement the upbeat acoustic beat perfectly and help lift it where it needs it. It was a perfect addition and represents another evolution in Nada Surf's sound."

Nada Surf - friend hospital, 2016

"For music fans of a certain age, it brings back memories of the halcyon days of indie rock; a reminder of when it seemed perfectly natural to stay up until 1 a.m. to catch every last crunchy guitar chord of the headliner and then be at work bright and early the next morning."

Nada Surf - when i was young acoustic, 2012

"The Dulcitone Files is a fantastic 5-track acoustic EP by Nada Surf, released on March 20, 2012, as a companion to their album The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy. It features intimate, solo-acoustic recordings by frontman Matthew Caws, captured at Dulcitone Studios in Sheffield, England (hence the name—named after the vintage keyboard instrument, but no actual dulcitone samples here)."

Nada Surf - looking through acoustic, 2012

"It's notably more intimate and melancholic than the full-band version, highlighting Matthew Caws' tender vocals and the emotional weight of the lyrics."

Nada Surf - the future acoustic, 2012

"In January 2012, Nada Surf released The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy, an album that included the single "Waiting for Something". Later in 2012, Caws, who had moved to England, recorded acoustic versions of five of the songs from The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy as b-sides, in collaboration with record producer Lee Russell. The material was released as The Dulcitone Files EP. The group released a compilation of rarities called B-Sides in 2014."

Nada Surf - no snow on the mountain, 2012

"The lyrics explore environmental depletion (e.g., "no snow on the mountain, no water to drink"), human apathy, consumerism, and fleeting dreams. It blends personal regret with broader societal critique, delivered in Nada Surf's signature melodic, introspective style."

Nada Surf - let the fight do the fighting, 2012

"For fans of New York alternative rockers, Nada Surf, 2010 must have been something of a disappointing year. Whereas 2008 yielded Lucky, 2010 saw Nada Surf release If I Had A Hi-Fi, an album made up entirely of cover songs. Whilst there’s nothing wrong with covers, it’s often contentious for fans who come to expect an album of original material every couple of years to have to wait four. Still, Nada Surf have always been a band to take their time, and The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy sees Nada Surf continuing with what they do well, resulting in an enjoyable, if not terribly exciting, seventh album."

Nada Surf - jules and jim, 2012

"Jules and Jim is from 2012’s The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy, which took the band’s winning streak to four. The song is an Alex Chilton-ish minor classic, with one of their most glorious choruses. Although, really, it’s just one hook after another. The band are now a four-piece (when playing live, at least) with the addition of guitarist Doug Gillard, also of Guided by Voices, and when I saw at the Electric Ballroom a few years ago and Gillard and Caws struck up the song’s chiming harmonised intro, it was total Big Star-in-1972 jangle heaven."

Nada Surf - bright side cover, 2010

"Nada Surf came out of New York City and got its foothold in 1996 with the intriguing, novelty single, “Popular.” It was from their first LP, High/Low¸ that reached #51 on the US charts. Mixing a slacker vibe, humour, and a not-quite-rap spoken word vocal, it was a good, original track for its time. I picked up the CD and listened to it a lot, pleased to find many solid, indie rock tunes such as, “The Plan.” After that, aside from a couple songs I had on compilations (“Hyperspace” and “Inside of Love”) over the next several years, I had little clue Nada Surf was a going concern until I saw a concert announcement for them in 2018."

Nada Surf - question cover, 2010

"Rather than attempting to distil all of their influences into one covers record, major label rejects-turned independent mainstays Nada Surf have chosen to capture the songs that were, as you might expect, in their hi-fis at the time of recording. Consequently and unlike most covers records, If I Had a Hi-Fi (which, rather neatly, is a palindrome) sounds wonderfully fresh and easy, but also yields some unexpected pop trinkets. Chances are this is because the range of artists covered is wide enough and, crucially, the record sounds like it would’ve made a good mix-tape even if they hadn’t recorded it themselves."

Nada Surf - agony of lafitte cover, 2010

"Nada Surf — a band no stranger to being screwed over by Elektra Records in the ’90s — did a commendable version of “The Agony Of Laffitte” on the 2010 covers record If I Had A Hi-fi. Spoon, of course, found greater fame (and respect) in the early ’00s after landing on Merge Records — giving the band the last laugh after being chewed up by the major label machine."

Nada Surf - you were so warm cover, 2010

"Dwight Twilley (June 6, 1951 – October 18, 2023) was an American pop/rock singer and songwriter, best known for the top 20 hit singles "I'm on Fire" (1975) and "Girls" (1984). His music is associated with the power pop style. Twilley and Phil Seymour performed as the Dwight Twilley Band through 1978, and Twilley performed as a solo act afterwards."

Nada Surf - evolucion cover, 2010

"Spanish band formed in 1995 by former Surfin' Bichos guitarist Joaquín Pascual. The band released a series of well-loved albums before breaking up in 2005."

Nada Surf - whose authority live acoustic, 2008

"The song explores themes of personal autonomy, questioning external influences, and the frustration of seeking validation from others."

Nada Surf - all is a game, 2005

"Nada Surf have composed fine songs for free-thinking, analytical, and pensive individuals, without being overly complex. The result of all this experience and reflection is that Nada Surf and producer Chris Walla have made a great pop/rock record. It's more of an emotive affair, with soft-hued guitar layers, hushed harmonies, and frontman Matthew Caws' signature aching, bittersweet vocals. From the gloomy orchestrations of "My Legs Grow" and the shiny hopes of "All Is a Game" to the more unapologetic, rollicking moments such as "Blankest Year" and "Armies Walk," the disc never loses momentum. The Weight Is a Gift is Nada Surf's most honest and earnest record to date."

Nada Surf - no quick fix, 2002

"I remember calling that song “No Quick Mix.” It had something cool going on, but I don’t think it ever really hit its mark."

Nada Surf - hi-speed soul, 2002

"Reacquainting myself with “Hi-Speed Soul” after a couple of decades was a pleasure. It’s a nice blend of pop and slightly punkish guitar. What really drives it for me is Ira Elliot’s masterful drumming … especially his cymbal work. I’m torn between focusing on the music and the slightly disaffected lyrics, because it’s all luscious. The song’s bridge blends ethereal lyrics/vocals and insistent percussion … and then it breaks down to a tasty bass riff leading into an extended outro that could go on for another five minutes of jamming without any complaint from me."

Nada Surf - beautiful beat, 2008

"Lucky sounds like a celebration of the band's good fortune. Somber songs are still present, most notably the plaintive closer "The Film Did Not Go 'Round," but most of the album is dominated by steady, mid-tempo pop/rock."

Nada Surf - the way you wear your head, 2002

"The Way You Wear Your Head" is a jangly, bittersweet power-pop song with Matthew Caws’ signature introspective lyrics about self-consciousness, identity, and quiet resilience."

Nada Surf - what is your secret, 2005

"Nada Surf have composed fine songs for free-thinking, analytical, and pensive individuals, without being overly complex. The result of all this experience and reflection is that Nada Surf and producer Chris Walla have made a great pop/rock record. It's more of an emotive affair, with soft-hued guitar layers, hushed harmonies, and frontman Matthew Caws' signature aching, bittersweet vocals."