With a total of 10 albums under his belt Jeff Shelton of The Well Wishers continues his stellar output. Our last encounter was on the brilliant Jigsaw Days. Fans of The Posies and Cheap Trick style of power pop will be on board with the opener “Run Away.” A quick strong melody in the chorus and driving guitar riff is all Shelton needs. Vocally he even sounds just like Ken Stringfellow in places. Assisted by drummer Nick Laquintano (Spinning Jennies) the punchy rhythms continue on “Hanging On” and “All For Nothing.” The entire album follows through on the typical power pop formula with the precision of a surgeon. Another standout is the descending scales and harmonies on “Someone Else” about the end of a relationship. The band turns it up to 11 on the punk-pop “Grammareater” and again on a cover of The Nils “Fountains.” The band dials it down slightly for the albums mid-tempo reflections, the shimmering “Consequences Of Love” and “As You Are.” On the whole the album it feels more like collection of singles, and takes a few listens to absorb. Not a single note or hook is wasted here – and fans of Nada Surf, Bob Mould, Redd Kross will also love this. Another top ten contender for 2010.
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