Well here’s some insanely creative and eccentric pop. With Beatlefest kicking off in New Jersey this year on March 27th, we present a group that certainly has a Fab fetish. The Poor Richards are R.A and J.A. Richard with an 18 song debut that recalls both The Pillbugs and The Spongetones, with a vast array of pop hooks. Opening with the bass lead “Remember, Remember” gets the celebration going, with enough well placed riffs and make it’s repetitive lyrics tolerable. One of the best songs here “Don The Suit,” is a Magical Mystery Tour era treat. The duo takes bits from different Beatles eras for “La La Love” with a touch of those DIY harmonies, that recall Chris Breetveld. “Mr. Travers” has a killer riff and structure, similar to “Day Tripper” and makes it easy to enjoy. Other tracks get a bit dodgy, as “All His Falling Downs” which plays off-sync until the wonderful chorus, in a clear nod to XTC. But for every miss, there are at least two charming tracks, for example “Norwegian Friend” guitar and piano recall Emmitt Rhodes. Some songs are clearly demos, and some are fun experiments (“Every Single Day”) that would be real gems if taken to the next level. If you noted all the bands I referenced then you’ll find this album is worth inclusion on your playlist.
