Review: Chris Richards and the Subtractions “Get Yer La La’s Out”

Power pop/rock

I’ve been eagerly awaiting a follow-up to the 2009 effort, "Sad Sounds of the Summer" (review here), from Chris Richards and the Subtractions. I’m happy to say the band has raised the bar even higher on their new release, “Get Yer La La’s Out”, comprised of 10 near-perfect guitar-driven pop rock confections.

The sparkling opener, “Don’t Do Anything Tonight” reaffirms that you are in for a treat. It’s the perfect track for cruising with the top down, radiating with sunny melodies and gentle backing vocals. “It’s Something” adds to the happy-go-lucky atmosphere with its stomping verses and soothing chorus. The crunchy “Sleep All Day” and “December” provide a taste of the extra bite that imbues this collection of tunes compared to their previous outings. Other highlights include “And Suddenly”, “Head Above Water”, and the harmony-laden “They Won’t Mind”.

Combining the heartland rock vibe of Tom Petty and Will Hoge with the power pop prowess of Wanderlust and Tommy Keene, Chris Richards and the Subtractions have outdone themselves here – highly recommended.

Chris Richards and the Subtractions – Official site.

Free mp3! Chris Richards "That Covers That"

Great news for fans of Chris Richards and the Subtractions (see our review of their last record here):

"We've compiled a digital release of cover songs as a free download only via Rapidshare. Hopefully, you'll be able to take advantage of this free download and enjoy our versions of classic songs by The Beatles, The Who, George Harrison, Elvis Costello, and Big Star. It also happens to be a wonderful companion disc to "Sad Sounds of the Summer".

Track list:
You Like Me Too Much - The Beatles
Mary Anne With The Shaky Hand - The Who
Wah Wah - George Harrison
No Action - Elvis Costello and the Attractions
Thirteen - Big Star

Click here to download!

Chris Richards and the Subtractions on MySpace. Official site. Get "Sad Sounds of Summer".

Review: Chris Richards and the Subtractions "Sad Sounds of the Summer"

Power pop fans in the audience may already be familiar with Detroit's Chris Richards, but now he's added the Subtractions for the 2009 release "Sad Sounds of the Summer" (Gangplank Records). Don't let the album title fool you - there is nothing sad about this upbeat melodic rock. On the contrary, it is a perfect summertime soundtrack, containing radiant and sunny tunes guaranteed to brighten your day.

Chris Richards has a little Scot Sax thing going on with his vocals, and the abundant harmonies round out his sound in the most ear-pleasing way imaginable. There are strong hints of 80s pop rock coming through in the guitar tones, calling to mind some of the best guitar-driven acts of that era (e.g. The Outfield, Jimmy Davis & Junction). The ten tracks on this record are full of solid hooks, infectious riffs, and meticulous harmonies. Every song is respectable, but some of the stronger ones that appeal to me the most include "I Can't Quit Her", "Consolation", and "I Do Declare".

The harmonies and song structures are strongly reminiscent of The Rembrandts, but fans of The Meadows, Material Issue, and Matthew Sweet will also find plenty on this disc to savor. Definitely not a CD fans of power pop will want to miss this year!

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8

Chris Richards and the Subtractions on MySpace. Official site. Get it.