REVIEW: The Caulfields, L (A&M)

- Bill Holmes

Let's get the tired old phrases out of the way - no references to "sophomore efforts" or having "their whole life to write their first record and only two years to write their second." Instead, lets focus on this record as a fifteen track document by a band that has something to say and the pop chops to say it impressively.

Those familiar with Whirligig will be impressed by the continuity of L; newbies will be thrilled to hear a band that combines the pop sensibilities and lyrical charm of bands like the Posies and Squeeze with the rhythmic pulse of contemporaries like Better Than Ezra or The Odds. A rock-standard four piece by nature, they're not afraid to throw in the odd instrument; horns enhance a couple of tracks and a theramin adds a spooky effect to "Waiting To Cry". Many of the songs feature a strong dual vocal, yet nothing is lost when John Faye's emotional vocals fly solo.

Don't be thrown by odd song titles like "The Kitchen Debate" or "President Of Nothing". Although the subject matter tackles some heady themes - incompatibility, family tensions and severed relationships - this isn't Berlin by any means. Drawing from the roller coaster ride of the past couple of years, lyricist John Faye's poignant and witty insights into relationships are framed by everything from mid-tempo strolls to chunky power pop rockers. "Beard Of Bees" (now there's a pop title for you!) is a standout with its punchy guitar riffs, and "Book Of Your Life" could find a home wherever the Gin Blossoms are welcome.

The standout track is probably the abovementioned rocker "The Kitchen Debate" or the heartfelt wistful "Once Upon A Time", a song Faye calls "a dysfunctional fairy tale". Actually I could list good things about every track on the CD with the exception of "All I Want Is Out". Pretty impressive when fifty-two out of fifty-five minutes of music gets a thumbs-up. Don't be surprised to see this record on a lot of year-end lists.

Oh, and the record's title? Apparently enough people misspelled the group's name as "Caufields" that they thought they'd supply the missing letter. Sense of humor intact, The Caulfields have kicked anonymity's ass. Where Whirligig was a fun record with tongue in cheek humor, L serves notice that there is major league song writing going on here.