Channeling Fleetwood Mac’s musical stylings with a hint of late-era Beatles, Family of the Year braid catchy melodies, stellar male/female vocals and personal folk tales to create some of the happiest and saddest music you’ve ever heard. Opening up with “Feel Good Track Of Rosemead” it’s a delicate harmony and rock guitar combo, very much like The New Pornographers, or The Polyphonic Spree. Actually, it’s singers Joe Keefe (formerly of The Billionaires) and Vanessa Long who harmonize and get lots of milage out of their pop chemistry and aural dynamics. Fans of The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds who hear the gems “Let’s Be Honest” and “Summer Girl” will find a connection there for sure. The folky guitar balladry of “Putting Money and Stuff” recall classic Mamas & The Papas, both “What a Suprise” and “No Good At Nothing” excel at telling a story musically. Hey, nobody else I’ve heard can toss off a great song about your favorite pair of blown-out blue jeans in “Intervention (Staple Jeans). “Castoff” and “Psyche Or Like Scope” moves into a synth heavy, new wave styled pop, with Vanessa leading the dance grooves, along the lines of Sinead O’Connor. The band was handpicked by Ben Folds to open for him and The Boston Pops at Symphony Hall. SPIN.com has selected the band as one 25 Must-Hear Artists from the 2009 CMJ Festival. I happen to agree – this is one of those “must get” pop albums. Another bonus: this album is available on a “pay-what-you-want” basis on the band’s website. Note: Coming soon, a full interview with lead singer Vanessa Long.
My Space | Family Of The Year Site