Imitation is often called the most sincere form of flattery. Marty Rudnick’s “More Songs about cars and girls” is a gushing love letter to Brian, Carl, Dennis Mike and Al (them Beach Boys). This is a power pop guilty pleasure, given even more credence from the supporting cast here. It’s produced by fan fave Michael Carpenter and includes backing vocals from Tommy Dunbar and Al Chan of the Rubinoos. This is a first class treatment of the material and Rudnick’s tunes are original enough, that you are not busy playing “spot the stolen riff or bassline” and just enjoying the music. Much like contemporaries, Jeffrey Foskett and Jeff Larson he makes this album perfect beach music. Without any bad vibes, all the tunes are light and sunny without a hint of depression to be found (unless you count a cover of Wilson’s “Until I Die”). This is a perfect album to lift your spirits if you’re down, from the light pop of “Lucky Day” to the gorgeous ballad “Only Heaven Knows.” Even a nice group of bonus tracks including vocal versions of the main tune, “Some Summer” and the Beatles “Yes It Is.” And the only thing I can find to be critical about is that it’s not so deep. Even the brothers Wilson added “In My Room” to an album of surf music to give it a small bit of introspection. But that’s being picky here.
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