The Pillbugs "Everybody Wants A Way Out"

This latest Pillbugs album (always something to look forward to) comes with a bittersweet sense of loss. Vocalist/guitarist Mark Kelly passed away last May and the remaining band members put the finishing touches here with Mark Mikel leading the way. As with past releases, no other band has come close the recreating the spirit and sound of sixties psyche-pop better than the Pillbugs. From the opening riffs on “Life As It Happens” you’ll be sold. If you bleed day-glo colors then you have to own this one. Like a mix of The Byrds and The Now People, “Can’t Get It Right” is full of sophisticated rhythms and harmonies. “Greeting Committee” is a part McCartney, part Cat Stevens and is a classic mid-tempo love song with hand claps and a big fat melodic hook. “Soundman” gets a little harder in sound, a bit like The Who with some Lynyrd Skynyrd guitar riffs thrown in. Parts of this album do address Mark Kelly’s medical condition (“Hard Line”) with grim determination of an classic Jethro Tull song. Another highlight here is “Tragedy Ann” with awesome Roy Wood/Jeff Lynne-era ELO violins and cellos, with the Beatles long shadow over each Sitar strum and horn flourish. Although a few tracks seem indulgent (“Play the Hear Back”) consider me a raving fan here, and after a few listens you will bow at The Pillbugs altar.

My Space | Not Lame | Kool Kat Musik

Listen to “Life As it Happens”

Listen to “Can’t Get It Right (So I’m Loving It Wrong)”