The Nines "Gran Jukle’s Field"

Okay, the wait is over and The Nines’ new album has arrived. I’m happy to say “Gran Jukle’s Field” has the ability to transform any tough music critic into a drooling fanboy. At this point, it’s safe to say that Steve Eggers and crew have effectively emerged as the vanguard of the power pop movement today. Over the years, the leaders of the genre (including Roger Manning, etc.) all got know each other and contribute to improve each others albums. Not that they need the help, but both Bleu and Jason Falkner contributed to this album and it is as good as a power pop gets. Every song here is a real gem, beginning with the irresistable “Insanity (The Sanest Thing You Got)” with the baroque chorus and harmonies aplenty. Then comes “Don’t Be A Fool” which sounds like a track from ELO’s “Discovery” album, a mix of melody and disco beat that’s smooth as hell. The highlight of the album here is “Dance Just For Me” a very L.E.O.-like love song to a stripper. This song will be humming in your head long after you finish listening. The fun and bouncy “Chantel Elizabeth” is a great The Kinks meets The Sweet hook-filled drinking song. Following that is “I Am Lost” a note perfect Bee Gees tune circa 1974. The song “Virginia” has the XTC-like melodic sound that Eggers brought to the last Nines album, “Calling Distance Stations.” The variety here makes this album succeed as a whole, and “Find Our Way Back Home” is a perfect example. The song is a country music version of the Beatles “All Together Now” sing-a-long tune. Every song here also has amazing repeatability – something most “disposeable” pop music is lacking. The fact is that all the players here have created a hook-filled masterpiece and if you could only get one album this year (why would you?) – this is it.

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