I get nostalgic, even sentimental, sometimes. I remember the times when there were quirky songwriters out there knocking out slices of intelligent, finely crafted guitar pop that you could sing along with. There was the likes of Marshall Crenshaw, Jonathan Richman or even our won Elvis Costello. Of course, they are all still around but keeping them company now is Baltimore band Gary B and The Notions.
Gary B and The Notions tick all the boxes. There are songs about girls ("Jenny" and "Sally") and plenty of superficially trivial, melody laden songs such as the irrepressibly bouncy "The Exercise Song". However, let's not make the mistake of assuming that it is easy to create these little slices of summery pop. Even given the unfashionability of this sound, there would be a lot more of this about if it were simple to do. The band play vigorously throughout too evoking memories of those days when music mattered more than style.
This album is refreshment to your tired ears. Catchy songs and an underlying sense of fun will - I hope - ensure that this album does well.