People ingest albums differently - some listen to them with little thought, some listen with ear goggles strapped firmly to the ears in a dark room, some insist on listening to them in the order in which they were purchased - to each his or her own. My method when it comes to new records is to try and figure out exactly what activity would best suit it and more so, at what time in the day I should partake in said activity. To limit listening to these parameters can sometimes be difficult as questions are quick to bubble up. Would I really listen to this while jogging? No, mainly because I don’t run, unless being chased, but I smoke so even running while being chased requires inner-debate.

The method of my madness has spoken the debut album from the Runners-Up coaxed me to break out the feather dusters and astringent cleansers. I highly suggest you crack the windows in your apartment or house and get to cleaning. Get at that odd stain on the kitchen floor or better yet throw away that questionable meat from you freezer because today is the day. Spring has sprung kids, it’s time to shake the sheets and shake out those snow covered blues. Perhaps I have said too much about my cleaning habits but the fact remains that this season has found me one hell of an album to act as the soundtrack while I assassinate the dust bunnies.

The Runners Up have created a record of infectious lo-fi indie-pop that has the ability to always crush me. I am weak when it comes to the sweet singing of the fairer gender, especially when accompanied by cute power chords - yes, power chords can be cute and the Runner Ups aren't shy when it comes to using them. Not only are they "cute" but they slather on a great deal of "quirky."

The Runners Up open strong with "James Brown with Two Heads" and only look back briefly for your appreciation. I am sans liner notes for this review but I tip my hat to the primary songwriter because she has managed to be playful without ever crossing the line into juvenile. The Runners Up don’t need my or your approval and given the nature of the band I don’t think it would carry much weight if I was critical.

Of course, that doesn't mean I won't be, not all tracks are winners on this album. The song "Missouri" feels thrown together even if it does remain true to the band’s sound. Thankfully, the next song "Spelling Bee," bails the band out and brings you right back to why you found yourself hooked in the first place. "Austin" finds the singer contemplating aspirations to move to the city of the same name, but Madison is lucky that in the end she stays.

For a first time effort the Runners Up are sure to go home at the end of the contest with much more than just a participatory ribbon. In my mind, they wear the crown. I am also not afraid to admit that I'm pretty sure this album was designed to be so cute that it would leave the listener feeling as if they were being flirted with. I have to say it, having digested the whole release the flirting has left me in love. Erika Zar may one day write about how she was bitterly disappointed by a writer and you will all know if was me who left her cold in evening.

I hope that you have at least cleaned your cob-webs by now.

You can clean up the High Noon Saloon with the Runners Up as they release their new album during happy hour at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Joining the Runners Ups will be The Schabelles.