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You had to be hiding under a rock if you haven’t heard the huge buzz surrounding the California duo Best Coast. Now Crazy for You is seeing the light of day, and for the most part,the record does its part to make sure that band keeps riding the California waves with you and your friends throughout the rest of this summer, and hopefully into the new year.
This record is full of cymbals and snare drums, jangling surf guitar and dream-girl pop references like in “Our Deal,” but you knew that already, right? Well, simply put, this could sum up the entire album, which isn’t a knock, but rather a blanket statement that describes what you’re in for here. What you don’t know is that the execution is precisely what makes this a winner, as no one has been able to completely capture this sound the way that Best Coast have done it. Songs don’t go on too long, and while they live in the same sonic spectrum, they aren’t around enough to wear you down with monotony.
“Boyfriend” begins the staple subject matter of dating, love and what not, offering up various different dream states that singer Beth Cosentino really wants you to listen to while you’re making out with your lover on the beach, preferably in California, as she’s clearly a supporter of the state’s tourism industry (see the cat’s rear on the artwork). It’s when you come to title track “Crazy for You” that you realize this album is going to win you over no matter happens. The bubbling bounce kicks in immediately, while Beth’s vocals fit perfectly with the tone of the guitar work. Crashing cymbals will remind you of crashing waves, or in the case of the song, crashing dishes of a lover who’s hard to love. Nonetheless, you’ll adore this song, forever.
Given that these songs reflect the group’s locale, it’s refreshing when you come to a song like “Goodbye,” which maintains a touch of sand, while pushing the genre more towards 90s alterna-girl rock, a la Juliana Hatfield. It’s this sort of mixture amidst the sunshine that keeps listeners returning for more time and time again. A similar effect is used on “Honey,” a song full of dark textures, and a vocal that really floats across the song with emotion. Cosentino’s vocals go between dark and light, creating a strong dichotomy within the song, though at times she has sort of that drawn out drawl of Courtney Love. It’s this edgy quality in her voice that makes Beth so endearing; you can’t dismiss her as a girl coated in reverb or any of that. Pristine and edgy, that’s the way you should enjoy your female leads.
Those who enjoy the art of the mixtape, or .ziptape as it might be known now will definitely want to include the gem “When the Sun Don’t Shine” on their next collection for an admired one. It has a really simple drum beat, but vocals and lyrics are really what make the song stand out above anything else. Give it a listen, and surely you’ll agree. “When I’m with You” is probably another one of those songs, if you’re in need of a slow burner near that carries the sentiment, but it’s a bonus track, so be sure to get on it. Place it at the end, and its the perfect end piece to this record, serving as a reminder that you’ll adore everything on Crazy for You, and you do. It’s hard to find a good records that always live up to the hype, but Best Coast will surely see more high marks for this one.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/19-Our-Deal.mp3]
Download: Best Coast – Our Deal [MP3]
This could be a really awesome year for Diet Cig; the duo is already building quite a name for themselves, which is a great deal considering they haven’t even released their EP, Overeasy. The songs are immediately accessible, and while I can see some similarities to bands like Tegan and Sara or Vivian Girls (minus the wall of noise), but I hear a lot of Juliana Hatfield. I’m having fun with the lyrical playfulness; they’re relatable, yet they still have a harsh punch for their intended audience. Look for Father Daughter to release the EP on February 24th.