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The Elected
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Sun, Sun, Sun
Sub Pop Records
Release: 1/24/2006
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Rated:
Review by:
Rusty K. Monson
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The Elected, fronted by Blake Sennett (Rilo Kiley
guitarist/co-songwriter), released its debut album, Me
First, in 2004. Recorded sporadically at pal Elliot
Smith's studio with Bright Eyes superman Mike Mogis and The
Postal Service's Jimmy Tamborello, the album was filled with
sparse, intimate gems - twinkling pop songs that recalled 60s
inspired west coast pop, the blissful twang of Gram Parsons
and the crumpled whispers of Neil Young.
The Elected's Sun, Sun, Sun did not stray to far
from their debut's quite genius, but moved more toward the
vain of 60s and 70s mellow rockers: The Band, The Eagles, The
Beatles, The Grateful Dead, and The Beach Boys' Pet
Sounds era. The album continues with California-pop
traditions. Complete with lap steel guitars, stacked harmonies,
and saxophone, sassy organ runs, and folksy acoustic guitars.
The album is on the horizon of music to come, or so I hope.
Fans of Rilo Kiley will no doubt ally themselves with The
Elected's sharp-witted pop sensibility and remain close by. The
tracks are universal; there is something to be stirred up by
everyone who comes across this album.
Sometimes there is nothing better than to drive in early
evening, with no destination, no words, just listening to a CD
that is explaining the moment. Very few albums can do this for
me. But sitting here at my computer all I want to do is hop in
my car and fly. Sway and sing, let The Elected take me where
they may. Maybe retire on my top floor balcony, after a
perfect late night out with friends and new thoughts, beers in
hand, Sun, Sun, Sun blasting out of my stereo, as
I slip into the songs, ignoring my neighbors and floating along
the Salt Lake City skyline. Blake has a way with his narrative
that throughout Sun, Sun, Sun takes me back,
makes me look forward, rest my soul, for the greater good. |
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