Okay, deep breath. Spygenius has released a record that just is not one of those CDs that HITS you dead center and hard, running obvious into the daylight with snappy, happy pop melodies. It`s a highly evolved, carefully crafted, unusual in its approach as it`s not concerned with any `big payoff` or immediate return. "Songs From The Devil`s Typist" is an album that locates all kinds of influences from the 60s folk, early 70s singer songwriter fare, late 70s power pop, progressive rock explorations and a whole lot more. You`ll hear lots of Squeeze and late-era XTC in parts, but while Spygenius use these artists has passing reference markers, always veering into their own unique vision. And it`s that, that makes this album one that has to be listened to beginning to end, one that asks, politely, to invest yourself in its modest but moving indulgence. The always crucial and interesting power pop blog, Power Pop Acholic gets this one, too. I quote, extensively: "9 out of 10. Sometimes you get lucky and a great band just pops up, like Spygenius. This electric four piece from London, starts with a Beach Boys a capella opening ("Dumb Angels") then gets all hippy funky, similar to the 1910 Fruitgum Company with "The Ballad Of Dr T.F. Bundy & His Hirsute Sweetheart." The next track "I Want That Girl" sounds like Jack Bruce (Cream) fronting for a Doors/Jellyfish hybrid. The band mashes together some diverse 60`s and modern influences, in a very original way. Songwriter Peter Watts does a great job here mixing the psychedelic stew of chords and harmonies on "Gilgamesh" as well. The album highlight here is the quirky masterpiece "Pineapple Drive" where it`s jammed together in a party atmosphere. The humor here is akin to Bonzo Dog Band, without being too over the top silly. Then the album`s serious side appears on "13 Years (May Song)" where they channel Crosby/Stills/Nash. As the album progresses the sixties influences fade. The softness of the "A Bottle Of Reds & Two Good Friends" will remind many of Rick Gallego and Cloud 11. The latter tracks have a more modern feel ("Wintergarden Summertime") sounding a little like Green and Yellow TV. Overall an outstanding album that is sure to hook you in and keep you humming. I will go out on a limb here and say this eclectic mix deserves a spot on our year end "best-of" list.`" You want something different and something that will not take you on a detour too out of your way and make `the drive` more interesting, look no further to this giant of a sleeper
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