Future Cloud And Radar (2007)

Masterminded in 2006 by former Cotton Mather frontman Robert Harrison, Future Clouds & Radar formulated a kind of eclectic, ecstatic indie pop sound that nodded to the psychedelic swirliness of XTC and the Beatles, the punchy soulfulness of Elvis Costello, and the good-natured brass and sparkle of the Starlight Mints. Rounded out by bassist Josh Gravelin, keyboardist Hollie Thomas, drummer Nina Singh, and vibraphonist/trumpeter Kullen Fuchs, the Austin-based group released its self-titled double-disc debut full-length in the spring of 2007. They followed it up with a more modest EP titled Peoria in the autumn of 2008.

 Since Cotton Mather released their third (and apparently final) album, The Big Picture, in 2001, not much has been heard from the group's leader and principal songwriter, Robert Harrison, but he's certainly making up for lost time with the first release from his new project, Future Clouds & Radar. A hefty two-disc set, Future Clouds & Radar features 27 tunes which demonstrate Harrison's gift for crafting gorgeous psychedelic-tinged pop songs has only grown stronger during his lay-off from recording, and his band of compatriots who helped him commit this to tape navigate his stylistic twists and turns with the élan of a Formula One racing team. While Harrison's voice splits the

difference between John Lennon and Glenn Tilbrook, melodically Future Clouds & Radar hops from one approach to another throughout its playing time, from the acid-drenched electronic meandering of "This Is Really a Book" and the stripped-bare blues figures of "Devil No More" to the high-spirited rock & roll of "Holy Janet Comes on Waves" and the bittersweet simplicity of "Christmas Day 1923," with plenty of solid hook-infused power pop and up-tempo rock along the way, all presented with just the right degree of polish and played with skill and spark throughout. It's telling that the more relaxed numbers such as "Build Havana" and "Green Mountain Clover" are as effective as the high-energy tunes, and Harrison can play goofy and sincere with equal impact. As strong as Cotton Mather's best work was, Future Clouds & Radar suggests Robert Harrison's best music still lies ahead of him, and this is an accomplished and thoroughly enjoyable calling card for his new enterprise that discerning fans of smart pop will want to hear.allmusic.com

Haven't heard for a long time, i listened today to the Cottons and thought i could post The ''Future Clouds And Radar''. So here it is. 27 songs of Pop/Power Pop from 2007. Have fun!
A quite tired
                   Frank
New mp3@320 link