Bebopalula “Bebopalula”
Amazing talent has a way of finding like-minded company. Chris Price and Emeen Zarookian (Spirit Kid) combine forces to create this power-pop supergroup. They have added support from a varied cast; Alex Jules, Ben Lecourt, Corey Perez, and occasionally Probyn Gregory on brass. The songs achieve a balance between candy-colored pop and richly constructed art.
The opener “Coloring Book” starts like Chris Price’s solo work until it gets to the rocking chorus and baroque coda of Bebopalula-land. “Rotten Apple” is an easy-listening pop gem bursting with sweetness and Alex Jules “Gone For So Long” attains a Pet Sounds level of reverence. You also hear influences from The Free Design and Nick Drake in songs like “We Remain” and “So Much To See.” While there doesn’t seem to be a stand-out single here, the sonic details in each song are addictive and it will take a few listens to absorb, like “I Think You Know It.” The album finishes with the loose guitar party of “Rock Two Step.” Similar to Apples In Stereo in approach, its got a freshness and energy that keeps things from merely sounding like slick retro pop. Highly Recommended.
Cupid’s Carnival “Color-Blind”
We’ve had a very strong year for Beatlesque power-pop so far (The Weeklings, The Overtures) and Cupid’s Carnival is back to prove you can never have too much of a good thing. Opening with “Working All Day” its everything a Fab fan could want in a catchy mid-period Beatles tune. You’ll also hear hints of other 60’s UK bands (The Bee Gees, Kinks) across several tunes like the very British “Yesterday’s Gone” about “an English girl, from a bygone time, in another world.”
“Happiness” is another standout with some great guitar work that’s almost buried by the echoing percussion, and the grand harpsichord love song “Baby Blue” boasts descending perfect harmonies in the chorus. My favorite here is “I Got It Wrong,” as it’s got Rickenbacker guitar muscle and great slide accents. A bonus here is that the best songs from 2018’s Clapham Junction EP are included (“She Don’t Care” and “Looking For Rainbows.”) While the production mixing isn’t as dynamic as I would like, most of the songs here are excellent. Highly Recommended.