Search - Georgie James :: Places

Pure pop bliss.

hal st soul | between London and Los Angeles | 10/20/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The 12 tracks that make up "Places" are pure pop bliss that look towards the future but are undeniably rooted in music from generations past.

Like an American version of the hirsute UK foursome "The Magic Numbers", this Washington DC group trades in gorgeous boy-girl harmonies and a lush blend of classic pop guitar sounds.

Unashamedly infectious and Monkees-like, were it not for the occasional mentions of the internet (on the wonderful "More Lights") and iPod culture ("Comfortable Headphones") you could be convinced that this is a long-forgotten album by contemporaries of the Mamas and Papas or Simon and Garfunkel.

Comprising John Davis (formerly of Q and Not U) and Laura Burhenn and mixing up evocative production, inventive songwriting and multi-part harmonies with the duo's passion for 60's and 70's pop music such as The Kinks, Richard and Linda Thompson, The Jam, Shake Some Action-era Flamin' Groovies.

John switches between drums, bass and guitars, whilst Laura takes turns at the Wurlitzer and the piano.

The record was recorded at Arlington, VA's Silver Sonya studio with TJ Lipple and Chad Clark.

The sunny melodies hit a peak on "Need Your Needs" - with its brilliant shifts of tempo and girl group handclaps - and the frothy escapism of "Cheap Champagne", but there's fabulous retro pop wonder throughout.

Sexy asides balance out the girliness while woah ohs are cheekily quick rather than dull sugar coated slowies.

Openers "Look Me Up" and the yummy "Cake Parade" are so good that they hook from the first listen.

"More Lights" shows the interplay between the two vocalists that makes the band so great; the squeaky screeching of Davies' former partner have been replaced with lustrous lullings.

"Places" is fresh, but also timeless, distinguishing Georgie James from their indie rock counterparts and setting the stage for a series of artistic triumphs.

Scenester boys and cardigan girls can look no further than Georgie James.

"Places" will make your day.

No Kill No Beep Beep

Different Damage

Power

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