Buva is the namesake of the talented Tom Wolfe, a Pasadena native and after discovering his gentle pop musing on All This Humming, people compared his vocal style to John Sebastian and compositions to Eric Matthews. Opening with “Smoke Into The Sky” it’s an ultra-cool bass driven melody that combines early McCartney and Badfinger. It’s an understated but lush soundscape that drifts along and fades into Mystery Tour-era instrumental chaos. “Can’t Stop Thinking” is a modern up tempo pop song with a growing and repeating chorus, that creates a soothing melody. “You Say It Too” is another gem that takes elements of early 70’s The Beach Boys and Todd Rundgren and uses them to great effect.
The ballads are mellow but just as musically compelling, “Hide Away” is simple, but melodically amazing – tinkling piano, acoustic guitars and eerie snyths, bring depth here. The quirky “Precious Fields Of Grey” with a ton of instruments (banjo notably) would not sound out of place on a John Dillworth Cartoon. Every song has a comforting familiarity, like the hook filled “Too Tired To Fight” sounds as if Nilsson played with The Beatles on The White Album. “In Other Words” boast a slide guitar solo George would envy. But these tunes are more than aping influences here, each composition is exceptionally written. No weak songs are to be found and the melodies really stick – all traits of a great pop album. Gets a top ten nod easily!
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