ALBUM OF THE WEEK: EXOTIC ANIMALS & BEACHES OF PENNSYLVANIA
Psychedelic power pop in Amish country
ALBUM OF THE WEEK: EXOTIC ANIMALS & BEACHES OF PENNSYLVANIA—A bizarre love letter to my home state of Pennsylvania, delivered with jangly-guitar power pop, funky reggae, surf rock, synth-pop, and a bit of psychedelia. The title cut features the late Davy Jones (Monkees) giving zany narration while a progressive rock band jams with a string quartet. It recalls "spy movie music" with a twist of espionage in Amish country.
"(I Wanna Be In) Pennsylvania" is an ode much like the "American tales" by The Beach Boys, with Mike Roe (The 77s) singing a creamy cameo vocal on the bridge. Another highlight is "Dumb Angel,” based on a dream in which Brian Wilson was Sunday driving around Avis PA (where I grew up).
The freakazoid cover art is by the late Chris Yambar, an acclaimed writer and graphic artist whose resume includes Alice Cooper, KISS, Mr. Beat comics, and The Simpsons. Bonus tracks include a cover of Mike Nesmith's "Silver Moon" co-produced by John Bechdel (Ministry, Killing Joke) + 5 live cuts at The Cell Block in Williamsport PA, opening for that great American band, The Badlees. Celebrate PA and download your copy today!
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