Talented musician Blake Jones leads his quirky DIY pop band The Trike Shop on a ambitious musical journey through The Underground Garden. Taking cues from icons of sixties pop (Beatles, Mod era Who and Beach Boys) the tunes are done with zeal and sincerity on the opener “Forestiere Gardens” complete with catchy “oh yeah” choruses.
The album does have a sense of humor and vocal style that recalls The Bonzo Dog Band in spots. “Sing Along” is a another good example with a wonderful melody line and “la la” background harmonies that compels you to join in. You’ll quickly recognize the “Magical Mystery Tour” chords opening up “Sun Up” but it takes it up a notch similar to The Pillbugs. Some tracks are clearly more novelty oriented (“Christmas Sale” and “Fighting the Big Dumb Noise”) and as much as I love the theremin, it goes a bit long on “Neptune Bursts Free.” But it clearly doesn’t get boring, and the fun in autobiographical songs like “Send The Band To Liverpool” are just infectious. There are 15 tracks here, each with it’s own charm so you’re bound to find a favorite.
It's hard to find true goofiness these days. I'd say the Trike Shop come pretty close to the old Bonzo standard. The only other group I've heard lately that get this weird are Dicey and Paprika, a rather daft duo from the States. Here's a sample:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um6q_j40Pl0