Search - Kostars :: Klassics With a K

Mellow Gold

Michael Sean | Seattle, WA - US | 04/18/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In between Luscious Jackson albums, Jill Cunniff and Vivian Trimble formed this impromptu group as an outlet for more acoustic-based easy-listening fare. A summer breeze blows through these tracks, creating a relaxing and nostalgia-tinged atmosphere of AM radio classics. A handful of friends joined in on the sessions, with fellow bandmates Kate Schellenbach on drums and Gabby Glaser contributing some guitar work. Niko Tavemise adds trumpet to "One Sunny Day" and sings on the lovely "Red Umbrella," and Dean and Gene Ween provide guitar and vocals to one of the album's best cuts, "Don't Know Why." The material on this record is surprisingly consistent, especially for a side project of such a spontaneous nature. Fans of these gals will definitely want to give this a listen. While the Kostars have yet to reconvene for a follow-up disc, Vivian has since left Luscious Jackson to form Dusty Trails with ex-Breeder Josephine Wiggs (who produced and engineered "Klassics With A K")."

All side projects should be this good

Michael Sean | 10/23/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The liner notes' claim that this album was somehow dashed off spontaneously in the woods may be dubious, but the album definitely has that vibe. The songs drift along effortlessly as you would expect, but when it's over you'll be surprised at how many of the melodies stay with you. By the third or fourth listen, you'll likely be as charmed by the whole album as you were by the 3 or 4 songs that snagged you on the first go-round... This is how albums are suposed to work. Once you get past the inherent tweeness of the sound, you'll have this disc in your player for at least a month. Apparently rumors of a follow-up have been laid to rest by the departure of one of the members from their day-job band Luscious Jackson. That's a real pity, because this album is as tasty and satisfying as any LJ album could ever hope to be."

Groovin'

Michael Sean | 05/13/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album is what pop music is all about. While it may not sit on your personal "greatest albums of all time" shelf when you're 60, its melodies will stay in your head and intoxicate you despite your best efforts to ignore them! The Kostars are really two members of Luscious Jackson, Vivian and Jill, with backing support from other LJ members and, strangely enough, the Ween brothers. The music is dominated happily by acoustic guitars and keyboards that create a mellow, summery feel. In keeping with the LJ style, the duo features more songs about strong women--always potent without being preachy. (Hint: the Kostars/Luscious Jackson know a lot more about "girl power" than the Spice Girls do!). While many LJ fans will turn to this album out of curiosity, some will realize that "Klassics with a K" is the best project to come from any LJ member(s) to date."