Album: Delta Spirit - Ode To Sunshine

2008 had a few rock album triumphs, but it's February and I have played most of them into the ground by now. Along comes Delta Spirit's debut EP Ode To Sunshine. It's a SoCal mix of rhythm piano, expressive percussion, and excited vocals. I am reminded of the raw energy of White Album, a comparison that isn't hurt by it's crisp pop hooks and on-target harmonies. There is an obvious parallel between them and the Cold War Kids (though I think Delta Spirit wins in that battle), but I even propose moments of Bright Eyes, Ryan Adams, and Wilco soundalike. What really sends it home for me is that despite a variety of tempos and sounds, it is incredibly listenable. Front to back, it's an album; full of catchy melodies and bridges, percussive pianos, primal guitar, and harmonious vocals.
Three Key Cuts: "Trashcan," "Children," "Strange Vine"

Tomorrow Goes Away - A very Beatle-y opener, complete with clicky acoustic guitars and good multi-part singing.
Trashcan - A simple 12-bar structured piano-driven tune with one of my favorite refrains in a long time.
People C'mon - Distinctively British pub-rock; what Oasis would write if they didn't think they were the Second Coming.
House Built For Two - A slow, sad and honest ballad that could be a Spoon or early Black Crows outtake.
Strange Vine - Southern California bottled up. Uptempo optimistic pop that makes you think of hot sand and Ray Bans.
Streetwalker - The guitar takes centerstage for this straight-forward rocker with a big choral finish.
People, Turn Around - A protest song 40 years too late; like Bright Eyes but less abstract, like Ryan Adams but less drunk.
Parade - Making a Neil Young with Crazy Horse song sound like your own is hard. It's just missing that one-note solo.
Bleeding Bells - More Bright Eyes comparisons here. Acoustic folk with a haunting brass section, like an old LP.
Children - I'm convinced Ryan Adams ghost wrote and sang this song, which is a great thing. Fun and upbeat, great structure.
Ode To Sunshine - As Ben Folds says, one of the greatest crimes against music by rock and roll is the loss of 3/4 time. This song plays great tribute to it. And it's a great closer with more of that Beatles influence in the bridge.

Note: Delta Sunshine is playing the Bowery Ballroom in NYC on Saturday, February 21st. Tickets are still on sale, and if you go you'll spot me singing along.