The U.S. system of government is rife with contradiction, starting with the Latin gobbledygook on our coins: e pluribus unum, or, "Out of many, one." Every four years, some millionaire (genial idiot Huckabee has been the only real contender this year who isn't one) can win office by even the slimmest of margins-- say, the decision of a Supreme Court packed with papa-picked prudes-- and, unlike in a parliamentary form of government, wield the full power of commander-in-chief even if, a couple of years later, a big chunk of the country thinks he or she is 100% batshit. There are no "no confidence" votes here, only impeachment in case of high crimes and misdemeanors. After John F. Kennedy narrowly defeated Richard Nixon, John Wayne reportedly said, "I didn't vote for him, but he's my president, and I hope he does a good job." Hail to the Duke.

Destroyer's Dan Bejar is based out of Vancouver, but Trouble in Dreams' "Dark Leaves Form a Thread" explores some of those quintessentially American contradictions on a more individual level. At the same time, it's just a rollicking pop song, with acoustic strums, piano, synths, fluid lead guitar, fearlessly rushing drums, and a "na na na" hook. "Seriously, terror advances," Bejar's narrator glibly informs "Susan," one of many women mentioned by first name in Destroyer songs. "I've been living in America, churches of greed/ It's sick," he adds. The chorus counters the verses simply and conversationally, finding something worthwhile even in that with which it disagrees: "Nah, it's cool/ You go, I'll stay/ Perfectly at home with this dread." The song is bookended by moonlight at the opening, and a "late September sunlight" in the end, traveling through a waitress' hair: "It wants to be...seen!" Sometimes you don't wanna live in America no more; sometimes the price of looking out on a "Myriad Harbour" is eternal vigilance.