Releasing an album that's short on surprises isn't often seen as a
bonus, more a lack imagination or ideas, or worse still, a retread of
what the band in question has done before. This third full-length from
Lawrence McClusky's Bubblegum Lemonade project doesn't offer much
that you won't have heard from previous records, including those by his
other band, Strawberry Whiplash. In this instance, this familiarity is a
blessing, not a curse, as the prolific songwriter never fails to write
strong tracks and, as the title suggests, pop melodies are not in short
supply; obviously a crucial factor when making music that fits the
indiepop bracket. Given the fact that 'Some Like It Pop' was released
just a fortnight after Lou Reed's passing, the Velvet
Underground-inspired artwork probably wasn't planned as a tribute to a
lost legend, it was planned as a nod to a living great and a influence,
and has now become more poignant than intended.
It's difficult not to fall back on chalices such as "honeyed" when describing just how pretty a song like 'Don't Hurry Baby' is, but from the backing vocals to the layers of guitar to (that word again) the melody, that's exactly what this is. The title could be a reference to the similarly perfect pop of The Beach Boys' 'Don't Worry Baby'; they're another influence it's difficult to avoid. 'Dead Poets Make Me Smile' is pure '80s guitar-pop that would probably be considered a classic had it been released in that decade. It's not all sunshine and flowers though; 'First Rule Of Book Club' has a more pensive vibe and 'You Can't Go Back Again' talks about the destruction of someone's past that has "turned to dust", however this is quickly followed by the splendid, dreamy single 'Have You Seen Faith?' which again sparkles like a glitter ball in the bright daylight. Another particularly bright spot is 'Your Valentine (Takes me Back In Time)' which has an extra buzz about it and is perfect single material, oh, and you don't go calling a song 'She Brings The Sunshine' if it's to be downbeat and sorrowful. 'Some Like It Pop' won't change the world, but it will make it seem like a better place for forty minutes or so.
Musically, you could take the twinkling opening of first track 'This Is
The New Normal' and find a direct lineage back to songs like 'Sunday
Morning', but the jangling guitars follow a different path, proving that
the usual reference points of The Byrds, Big Star, Flying Nun Records
and C86 are as important as the Velvets. Plus there's something
distinctly Scottish feeling about adding violin to guitar tunes of this
nature, thanks in part to Belle & Sebastian. While we're on the
subject of common references, the lovely 'It's Got To be Summer' has a
Jesus & Mary Chain feel, minus the feedback overload. All of the
above could indicate that this is just another decent indiepop album,
and in a way that's true, yet the calibre of songs is what will make you
keep returning for repeat helpings, and the lack of filler is also a
crucial factor. This is a solid collection, with the only real criticism
being that some of the melodies are close to other McClusky
compositions, but on the flip side, it shows that there is a definite
individuality here, and being able to blindly recognise a band fairly
quickly in a scene as crowded as the indiepop world can only be a good
thing.
Hope you have the same fun with this record like i do and i think you know where the link is...
Cheers
SB1
