I’m not really sure how to describe this album—or this band. I loved “Stars” when I first heard it—and still do. That led me to Grace Potter & The Nocturnals and The Lion The Beast The Beat (yes, album 4; somehow I missed the first three and songs like “Paris’s (Ooh La La”)). Honestly, I could have picked any of their albums to talk about. I picked this one because it’s the first I heard.
So, how to describe this? It’s rock, it’s pop, it’s quirky in its own way. But, what it never is is boring. I love the musical twists and turns. Sometimes I think, “This is what a great Motels or Martha Davis album might sound like today.” But, it’s not really that—and it’s not an 80’s throwback (for which I am eternally grateful!).
What’s my favorite thing about this artist and this album? I don’t have one. It’s not about any one thing. There’s so much in the singing, the songwriting, the performances. And, I like the lyrics—little phrases like these:
“I’m closing up for the season.”
“I want you to play me like a record tonight.”
“But if you play the game I’m going to play the fool.”
“My lonely heart is made for two, it beats too slowly without you.”
Did I mention “Parachute Heart”? That song followed by “Stars” may be the best part of the album. But, then there’s the opening track and so many more.
For me, a hard-to-define album. But, great music doesn’t need a definition. It just is. And that’s this album.