REVIEW: Liquor Giants, Every Other Day At A Time (Matador)
- Joann D. Ball
Ward Dotson knows that his is the sound of the season, that of the endless summer. Granted, Dotson and his band the Liquor Giants are from Los Angeles. But the band's newest and best record, Every Other Day At A Time , suggests sunshine and warm nights because it's got the kind of songs that would have fit perfectly on AM Top 40 radio in decades long past. In fact, that's just what makes this fourth Liquor Giants effort so irresistibly good. The 14 songs on this short but sweet compact disc have that old familiar way of just getting into your head and under your skin, and then staying there for days.
Dotson is obviously a dedicated fan and student of pop-rock classics. Not only does the former Gun Club and Pontiac Brothers guitarist capture the essence of vinyl, he re-creates and revitalizes many of the elements that made those Beatles, Kinks, Hollies, Byrds and Beach Boys records so incredible. It's all here - the melodies, harmonies, hooks and guitars galore. And Dotson's ooohs, ahhhs and lalalas are everywhere. Maybe that's why Every Other Day At A Time, like the other Liquor Giants releases, will click with the hipsters, like-minded and similarly inspired musicians, as well as the music critics who know a good thing when they hear it.
The record's first track, "It's Raining Butterflies" is chock full of pop nuggets including spirited handclaps which take you straight back to the Fab Four's early tunes and backing vocals that evoke the innocence of the Beach Boys. "Dearest Darling" and "Kentucky Lounge" are both honest songs about dedication, although the objects of longing are entirely different. And while you don't have to know what a "Multicolored Hipshake" is to enjoy its upbeat brightness, you might sympathize with the tale of loneliness that is "It Only Hurts When I Smile." One of the best tracks here, though, is "Riverdale High" which echoes the brilliance of labelmate Tommy Keene with its chiming guitars and short, stinging solos. Finally, the image-filled "Summer School" rounds off the compact disc and the the Liquor Giants make even this teenage experience something to remember with foundness.
If Every Other Day At A Time leaves you craving more Liquor Giants, check them out live on tour, or through the Matador's website at http://www.matador.recs.com
