Wow. WOW! There is a new alt-country band in town...and country. "My Blue Heaven" is the new EP from a San Francisco band called
Town and Country. Actually, alt-country may be a slight misnomer. While there are hints of
The Jayhawks, the softer side of
Wilco, or even the
Eagles, there is plenty of straight-up pop rock here too (
Finn Brothers come to mind, but
Town and Country have a much better sense of humor). Outstanding, lush harmonies permeate this release, which also boasts some top-notch songwriting and smart, amusing lyrics.
Every song is memorable, blowing gently into your ears to set up permanent residence. The acoustic guitars are bright and crisp, building up to climatic choruses that will have you singing along in no time. The clever "Daytime Emmy" is an instant favorite, better than anything on TV. "Variation on a Theme By Mo" is a song we all have someone to dedicate to...just be careful where you are when you start singing, "First you lie, then you suck." The harmonies on songs like "Bella Vista" and "Better Than That" are simply gorgeous, somewhere between the quality of the
Eagles and
Partridge Family - did you ever think you'd read references to those two bands in the same review?
Get in your flatbed Ford and head out to
Town and Country. Bring your own porch swing and summer lager and let their harmonious breeze blow through your hair. Outstanding stuff...I can't wait to hear more.
iPOD-worthy: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Town and Country on
MySpace.
Fans of
Town and Country might want to check out
Dan Weir's studio project called
Orphan Town, featured on this blog
previously.
