Golden Bear‘s last album was pretty nice. Good orchestral pop with a decent head about their shoulders. Well, yesterday(?) I received their follow-up and let me tell you, it makes good on all their promise.

MP3: Golden Bear – Galaxy Queen
I feel so bad calling this indie rock that I’m going to stick with my orchestral pop label — it’s one I think they’ve earned. “Galaxy Queen” starts off curiously, with a bit of space-age phasers and keyboards, but quickly kicks into a beautiful, melodic piece of music. But don’t get too comfortable. Just when they’ve drawn you in with their rocking intro section, it switches over into a moment of grandeur worthy of the Polyphonic Spree.

Golden Bear on Myspace

I don’t read too many web comics. QC is about it for me, with occasional doses of Dinosaur Comics when I remember to check it. BUT a few days ago I got absolutely hooked on Dr. McNinja. If anyone was ever a fan of the Scud comic series, this is a no-brainer.