The Chicago band Friko makes soaring, anthemic indie that will appeal to both Zoomers and Millennials eager to relive their glory days through the secret comfort of their headphones. So, for this edition of Best Songs, we had to ask the band both about their hometown and just what they think the best 2000s-era indie rock song is. It’s the newest edition of Best Songs, read it below. Friko’s new album, Something Worth Waiting For, is out now.

Best song that makes you think about Chicago in the summer?

“You’ve Got A Friend (Live)” by Donny Hathaway 

That song feels so warm and Donny is probably my favorite Chicago artist of all time.

Best song that makes you think about Chicago in the winter?

“Something On Your Mind” by Karen Dalton

Oooo this one has to hit deep. I would say “Something On Your Mind” by Karen Dalton. I used to listen to that song when I took the bus to work in the winter. The single cover for that song is also a picture of the snowy countryside, so I’ve always had that association.

Best song by a 2000s-era indie rock band?

“Y Control” by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Definitely “Y Control” by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It feels so huge while also maintaining its rawness and emotion. I don’t think any other band from that time balanced those three elements as well as they did in that song.

Best song to listen to in the van when you are driving into a city?

“Glamorous” by Fergie (Feat. Ludacris) 

It pulls you right out of that gross feeling of being locked up in a dirty van for seven hours.

Best song by The Beach Boys?

“Surf’s Up” 

Currently “Surfs Up,” the title track for that record. The melody is so haunting and the lyrics are so nonsensical, it feels like a warbly daydream.

Best song that you heard on your Japanese tour?

“Lapse” by Homecoming 

We played with them at our Osaka show and they were awesome.

Best song by a friend of the band?

“Wherever You Aren’t” by Elizabeth Moen

Liz has a generational voice and her new record is gonna blow minds.

Best song that makes you want to stop everything and try to write a song?

“Ceremony” by New Order/Joy Division

The energy of that song is so youthful yet so dark and emotional, since I heard that song the first time when I was 16, it’s always made me want to pick up a guitar and get something out.

Best song you’ve heard so far this year?

“Light Night Mountains All That” by Ratboys

We love Ratboys.

Best song to listen to first thing in the morning?

“Horn” by Nick Drake 

That song has always brought me a deep peace whenever I’ve needed it.

Photo Credit: Adam Powell