The Wild Bores are neither wild, nor are they boring. Singer/songwriter John Whildin put together a band rooted in traditional Chicago pop with some Nashville influences. It features studio performances and collaborations with Brian Chard (always dependable bassist and guitarist), Glenn Kotche (Wilco) and Dan Leali (Poi Dog Pondering). The laid back opening “Whatever makes you happy” is like a comfortable shoe that just feels right and shuffles along. Whildin combines the lyrical slices of blue collar life similar to Bruce Springsteen with the melodic touch of Fountains of Wayne. Vocally, he reminds me of Chris Stamey a little bit. “My Home Town” has a very Ray Davies feel, where he describes “Sometimes I was a baseball player …sometimes I was a soothsayer.” The simple acoustic arrangements fit perfectly with the electric guitar touches in the chorus. It’s deceptively simple and makes the rebellious rant “Hands on it” amazingly compelling to listen to. Other songs wander along (“Time Wasted,” “Lovely Place”) but always deliver the goods by the time the chorus kicks in. “Chasing A Revelation” is another highlight here with clean riffs and sweet harmonies. This is introspective thinking man’s pop for your ipod’s playlist.
