aural pleasures (a.k.a. soundtrack to my life, vol. I)

Teenage Fanclub's "Ain't That Enough" is the perfect pop song.

You cannot help but have your mood improve exponentially upon hearing this tune. It's like musical comfort food: lush, soaring guitar pop, devoid of pretension and unblemished by posturing, that almost seems to embrace you as you listen. The band's beautifully layered harmonies and trademark bleary optimism anchor an irresistible melody that lingers in your head and refuses to go away. It's not quick and flashy, just steady and comfortable. It doesn't hit you over the head; it surrounds you, envelops you, consumes you. Whenever I'm down, this song makes me feel better. Whenever I'm up, this song makes me feel better. It's simple and obvious, but never cliched and cloying.

Try to recall the most relaxed moment of your life, driving on a sunny afternoon, arm hanging out the window, when things are - for a split second - just right, exactly as they should be. "Ain't That Enough" is that good.

Here is a sunrise/Aint that enough
True as a clear sky/ain't that enough

For 3 minutes and forty-two seconds, it's not only enough...it's all that matters.