Rating:  -
Call & Response created some truly enchanting music in their self-titled debut -- sunny, bubbly music, overflowing with 1960s psychedelic charm. Okay, it's a bit on the sugary side. In the end its few flaws are overcome by catchy hooks and charming songs about California floating in space... in short, all the good things about an acid trip, with none of the side effects.
"I'm drinkin' stars up in the sky/You know who you are/I'm drivin' cars around your house/It seems so fun," Dan Judd croons in the opener, conjuring up a feeling of carefree youth and cool evenings by the beach. And that's not easy in a song where he then sings about bubbles going "pop."
Call and Response then meanders merrily into songs about rollerskating, daydreams and stars. The sound changes a bit from song to song -- "All Night Long" has a thrilling rock riff at the beginning -- but usually sticks to midtempo, catchy pop music, full of psychedelic swirls and poppy hooks. Not that it is simple musically -- in fact, it's difficult to keep up with all the layers.
Basically, Call & Response is catchy pop music that is keyed for all ages, rather than bubblegum. In fact, it is completely different from bubblegum fluff. For an idea of what I'm talking about, think pop music from the 60s, such as the Beatles, Zombies and Beach Boys, because those are on the same wavelength as Call & Response.
Their retro sound is reflected in the songs -- cheery, sunny, and a bit nostalgic, and flavored with odd ends of funk, rock and jazz. The basic rock lineup is augmented by flexy moog, swirling wurlitzer and some wicked marimbas, and Terry Loewenthal's flexible jazz basslines give an extra boost to an already catchy sound.
The one downside may be the lyrics on a few of the songs -- the bunny hop? Not such a good rhyme for "pop." The trippier songs are infinitely more fun, with smooth croons of "Even orange poppy lie/Speak to me in songs sung with my eyes/Watching sand where beaches lie/As do I," against a swooping psychedelic backdrop. Really, how much more fun can it be?
Call & Response give a retro twist to their enchanting pop music, injecting it with California sunshine and a bit of acid. Definitely worth checking out.
Rating:  -
This CD is completely cool. The other reviewers mentioned songs like Rollerskate, Nightflight and California Floating in Space, but the song that got me is I Know You Want Me. This is the coolest track on the CD with its groovy bass and sweet harmonies and innocent lyrics (I know you want me, so why don't you want me). If you like Papas Fritas definitely check out Call and Response. I can't wait for their new CD.
Rating: -
Loopy pop is how I describe their sound. I grew up in the 80s and was thick in the Indie music scene (back when it actually WAS indie). This is the first band I've heard since then that has a very fresh sound. The first I heard a song, I downloaded a few more and then bought the CD. Listening to the songs, I truly feel like the band is having fun making good music, not copying other bands and trying to make a million bucks. I listen to this CD over and over again.
Rating: -
ah, pure pop craftsmanship -- such a joy. some albums grow on you, but not this one -- this one sucks you in immediately and just doesn't let go.
i fell for this band just two weeks ago, listening to the track "rollerskate" off the computer at a friend's house. on a whim -- the internet is all about the whim, see -- i ordered it (from the label's website, which i highly recommend everyone else do as well, and not just because it's 4 bucks cheaper) using that selfsame computer, and i haven't had it out of my cd drive since it showed up in the mail. beautfiul, flowing, poppy, fun. it's a real album, too -- not just a collection of disjointed songs. the band has an aesthetic; i admire that. oh yeah.
also, they sent me a little napster button in the envelope that brought the cd. these guys know where their bread is buttered.
Rating: -
oh god. this is the best pop album I've bought in a long time. one of the vocalists sounds eerily like Lena from Komeda, and the rhythm section lays down a mean funky groove: The Meters crossed with Papas Fritas. and the songs...the songs, my friend, are melting like pink ice cream dripping down my thighs. "rollerskate" has to be one of the most warm-hearted childhood songs I've ever heard ("before you learn how to walk...before you learn how to rock...you learn to rollerskaaaaaaate"). I also really like "california floating in space" which has become a modest college radio hit. many of the songs linger on into the 4 minute range, with a groovy sort of jam vibe that (surprisingly) doesn't diminish the sweet simpleness of these tunes (don't worry- you get your money's worth even though there's only 10 tracks). there are the occasional decorational flourishes (strings, fender rhodes) but mostly a wide variety of textures built from the simplest of rock-instrument formulas. this is a surprisingly great, well-produced pop album. don't miss it.
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