New Pornographers vs. Girls

Man, I've gone back and forth on this one several times now. Seeing as both bands are working in the general category of guitar pop, it is one the more similar match ups in this first round. I had a pretty strong attraction to the New Pornographers at one point. I remember the album Mass Romantic was on pretty heavy rotation on my cassette boombox in the middle roofing years. I burned out on it pretty quickly though and haven't checked them out too much since.
"Challengers" is a very strong album with loads of hooks, and a good variety of songs owing to the number of singers and writers in the band. Everything is so clean, tidy, tight, and impeccably produced.
Girls approach to the classic 60's inspired pop song takes on a bit messier and looser form. I first gave this album a listen from the library in this past year, and was less than impressed. Perhaps I was mostly turned off by the lead off track "lust for life" and a couple others where the singer takes on a puposely annoying Adam Sandleresque voice. (I also sometimes like to take pride in disliking something that is so championed by all the wise music critics). But after giving the Girls "Album" several more spins its charms began to quickly reveal themselves. Second track "laura" is a clear stand out with its infectious chorus line. Also great is "Hellhole Ratrace," a very long and repetitive track that somehow works well by repeating the singer's simple aspirations over and over again.
In the end I choose Girls shambolic pop songs over the New Pornographers air-tight productions. I just hope the voice Girls singer keeps the goofy voice to a minimum the next time.
Girls win!