Europe

The second single from Allo Darlin's superb second full-length is none other than the album's title track, "Europe." the London-based four-piece-led by Australian songsmith Elizabeth Morris, with guitarist Paul Rains, Bill Botting on the bass and Michael Collins on drums-creates perfect, sophisticated pop gems and knows how to put on a joyous, effervescent, fun-filled live show, and their recent US tour was a roaring success. Europe the album has been one of the pop gems of 2012, garnering excellent reviews everywhere from Pitchfork to NME. Morris describes what "Europe" the song is about: "About a year ago I wasn't sure how much longer I'd be able to live in the UK, because my visa was running out and I was running out of options. I've lived here for most of my adult life. I started thinking about what I'd lose if I went home, and what I'd gain. What memories I'd take with me if I left." Oddly though the song also turned out to be a remarkably prescient celebration of the togetherness that pulled the band through a disastrous tour of the continent last year, when noxious fumes in their vehicle nearly put an end to them altogether. The B-side is an alternate take of the song "Some People Say," recording during the mostly abandoned original album recording sessions in Manchester. It's a slower version than the one on the album, and is quite beautiful.