El Goodo - s/t

This was a UK import for the last year and it`s now out in the US and it`s a bonafide jangle pop fest! A mix of The La`s, Olivia Tremor Control, Super Furry Animals, Magic Numbers and Teenage Fanclub. But some songs are completely backwards, sounding like classic Byrds, Youngbloods and Loving Spoonful tracks! "Released on Super Furry Animals` on-off label Placid Casual, these 13 tracks of sunshine pop find El Goodo laying their influences firmly on the line, with mixed results. The best moments are when they find a voice of their own, as on the harmony-laden If I Were A Song, the stoner rocking Silly Thoughts and the irrepressibly bouncy Chalking The Lines. But the song Stuck In The Sixties doesn`t lie. While there`s promising talent evident in the writing and arrangements, it`s too often buried in a slavish pastiche of Brian Wilson, The Byrds and the Jesus And Mary Chain. In many ways, El Goodo wear their hearts on their sleeves, their influences are many and their knack for melodies impressive. Taking cues from places as diverse at the Elephant 6 collective to the fuzzed up tones of Scotland`s C86 post-punk bands, the mysterious and enigmatic members of El Goodo make a wonderful racket.

It`s that kind of record shiny and diverse with a hint of front rooms and vibrant garages. El Goodo are one of life`s wonderful anomalies. " El Goodo takes a page from the neo-psychedelia of the Elephant 6 collective, embellishing classic pop tunes with samples, banjos, and quirky percussion. The album opens with "Life Station," a song that builds slowly, layering fuzzy feedback with Hammond organ and hand claps. It`s followed by `60s throwback "Surreal Morning," which teems with peppy guitars and vocal harmonies"-Spin.com. We`re not sure how many other enchantingly gifted pop music sorcerers there are in Neath Valley, deepest Wales, but we bet it`s not many. Let`s treasure them like the strange exotic creatures they are. Very Highly Recommended!

Life Station - mp3

If I Were A Song - mp3

Honey - mp3

What Went Wrong - mp3