Earlier this year, Horsegirl put out Phonetics On and On, a hypnotic, melodic collection of atemporal indie rock. It’s the kind of music that could throw a record collector type into a tizzy, grasping at straws to articulate a sound that, though rooted in canonical reference paths, has an elusive quality that could only come from these three people playing music together, right now. Today, the New York-via-Chicago trio of Nora Cheng, Penelope Lowenstein, and Gigi Reece tell us about their favorite songs for hyper-specific situations. It’s simply the newest edition of Best Songs. Read their choices below!

Best Song that reminds you of Chicago?

“Via Chicago” by Wilco

The title says it all. I’m comin’ home … I’m comin’ home … !

Best Song a friend sent you?

“Seabird” by Alessi Brothers

This song wasn’t sent to us but played for us by our tour manager in Europe. We all heard it for the first time driving through Wales, looking at some sea birds. It suited the surroundings in a magical way!

Best Song that’s really twee?

“Chicago New York” by Aislers Set

One of the sweetest songs of all time. Touches close to our hearts, due to our Chicago—New York lifestyle. But we weren’t “drunk on the streets of Chicago” so much as drunk in mommy and daddy’s basement…

Best Song that’s really tough?

“Vicious” by Lou Reed

Deeply tough track outta Lou. That little guitar part, and whatever that metallic (maybe cowbell?) object that’s hit throughout the song. So vicious!

Best Song for morning drives on tour?

“Introduction” by Nick Drake

The first track (naturally) on Bryter Layer, which was a frequent album in the van this past summer. This song was the perfect ease-r into our morning drives. It set the landscapes ablaze…

Best Song with a good music video?

”Revolution 909” by Daft Punk 

The music video for this song is stunning. It’s fairly ordinary and unassuming at the beginning, then takes a ridiculous turn. Over half the video feels like a punchline, a “what if we did this—” but executed sincerely and drawn out to its limit. The absurdity and simplicity was super influential when we were making our music videos, even if subtle.

Best Song by an 80s post-punk band?

“Dance” by ESG

One of the coolest post-punk acts ever!!! We could dance to ESG for the rest of our lives! The whole album is infectious and turns any room into a very cool room.

Best Song for a long walk to nowhere in particular? 

“Wind In The Rigging” by Young Marble Giants 

Final track with no vocals on this YMG record. Proper pensive music. Always gets me thoughtful…

Best Song for dancing with a small group?

“Praise You” by Fatboy Slim

We experienced this small group dancing last New Years and can’t recommend it enough. Also has a life-affirming music video (showcasing unabashed small group dancing).

Best Song that you never feel like listening to?

“Clapping Music” by Steve Reich

We don’t tend to put this one on, but having done so now to confirm I would never want to listen to it, I’m thinking it’s pretty groovy … it’s almost… tough, even?

Photo Credit: Ruby Faye