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John Atkins, whose day job is singing in 764-Hero, has one of those pure
pop voices dug by power-pop fans since the beginning of time (or
since the Beatles recorded Beatles VI, anyway). Here Atkins
collaborates with Joe Plummer (who normally handles drums for Black
Heart Procession), and the result is a delightful pop-rock album,
self-consciously in the tradition of Big Star (Third/Sister
Lovers), but with more noise and Nirvana-esque edge. Guests
include Sleater-Kinney's Janet Weiss, Murder City Devils' Coady
Willis, 764-Hero's Polly Johnson, and Mike Johnson. Highlights
include the hooky "RSVP," which might remind you of the Beatles (as
will the chorus of "Bored Ticket Taker"); the haunting,
conversational "Time Zones Be Damned"; and the stunning album opener,
"I'm On Your Side," with its huge sound and quirky "Through the
Looking Glass" take on Spector's Wall of Sound.
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