THE WEIGHTLIFTERS - O My Stars

"O My Stars", indeed! This 7 song mini-CD is awash with high-brow Posies sensibilities, Pugwash-like competence and Elliot Smithy emotional resonance. The solo work of Ice Cream Hands leader Charles Jenkins is another signpost. The latest offering from ex-Idle Wilds guitarist Adam McLaughlin. A powerful and personal brand of indie-pop that`s melodic and moody, with a hint of 60s tunefulness and a touch of 70s atmosphere, though unmistakably modern.

""O My Stars" took me off guard as I was expecting a sonic blast of crunchy guitar; but this is not the Idle Wilds. As The Weightlifters, Adam McLaughlin is not here to burden your ears with heavy noise, but rather to lift the world off your shoulders using his calming brand of breezy pop. The EP contains seven delicate tracks that are well-crafted and melodic. Adam performs these tunes as if they were played effortlessly. Adam`s vocals sound like a combination of Elliot Smith and Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne) - thin, whispery, and soothing. The musical style has a distinct indie pop feel, not too far afield from the likes of Spoon or The New Pornographers. My favorite track is "Belle of the Wrecking Ball", a complete package with its instantly likable melody, wonderful harmonies, hand claps and tambourine. This tune in particular merges Adam`s affinity for retro pop with his 90s alternate rock expertise. Another highlight for me, "Battlesong" also works well in this fashion. For those of you who love sparse acoustic pop, you`ll want to check out "To Be A Killer" and "In The End"." Bill`s Music Forum.

"Adam McLaughlin & Co. are back at it, following up 2007`s excellent Last of the Sunday Drivers EP with another extended play, O My Stars. Had you put these two EPs together, you`d have a year-end top 10 contender. O My Stars is of a piece with the first EP, so if your tastes run in the Pernice Brothers/Elliott Smith/Teenage Fanclub area, you`ll want this one."-Absolute Power Pop Blog. Not a bad track here, this one is hard to not lift both thumbs skyward and say "RIGHT ON, More, please!"

Song #1 - mp3

Song #2 - mp3

Song #3 - mp3

Song #4 - mp3