On earlier releases, Chicago’s Mannequin Men favored a classic, trashy punk sound, indebted to the likes of the Stooges and The New York Dolls. Fast forward a few years, to “What’s Your Favourite Colour,” and one can hear the re-verb heavy, psychedelic style employed by Windy City scenesters The Ponys and Radar Eyes. It’s a change that suits them well, for even as the pieces have changed, their most reliable aspect — A strong sense of melody, has remained.

If you want a good cheesesteak, you go to Philly. If you want a good bagel, you go to Beachwood (or New York). And, along those lines, if you want to hear the best kiwi-pop, it’s best to go the source, New Zealand, and this trio, Ghost Wave. On “Hippy,” these sun-kissed slackers pair reverence to their source, in the form of jangly melodies and light vocals, with the kind of droning psych-pop favored by American acts like The Black Angels or Deerhunter.

Which one of the following does not belong: (A) Ministry, (B) Skinny Puppy, (C) The Cure, or (D) These Arms are Snakes. The first three bands, Ministry, Skinny Puppy, and The Cure, were, and probably still are, mainstays at goth nights. These Arms are Snakes were a post-hardcore band active in the mid-to-late ’00s. (D) would be your answer.

What you probably didn’t know, however, is that the lead singer of These Arms are Snakes, Steve Snere, fancies the goths. Take a listen to the track below, by his new electronic-rock outfit, Crypts, and tell me he didn’t spend countless nights chasing pale ladies in black at the goth bar.

Like I’m going to pass up the opportunity to write about a song titled, “Thanks Bill.” It’s as if the Los Angeles, instrumental rock duo, El Ten Eleven, recorded this one just for me, because I also happen to like double-necked guitars and effects pedals and solos done by that double-necked guitar and it’s army of gear. All I can say is, “Thanks guys,” the song is much appreciated. I’ll even go check out your kickstarter. I can’t promise that I’ll buy the helicopter ride. I prefer to keep my feet on the ground. But, a virtual high-five and some music is very doable.