YOUR GRACIOUS HOST - Easy Red

Earlier in 2009, we saw a self-produced 2 CD-r set from Your Gracious Host and before 2009 leaves up, "Easy Red" the follow up arrives. Again, the material here reminds me of a somewhat edgier Shoes, Spinning Jennies and 80s pop greats, The Deal, who many Not Lamers will recall from the Not Lame label release that documented how incredibly special this band was. Echoes of early/mid 80s Post-REM bands show up here and there but it`s a sound not explored often in modern pop and I am glad to report Your Gracious Host deliver on the promise of their debut.

Bursting with energy, melody and left turns everywhere, this record leaves you spinning and wanting more. This is guitar based pop music but angular and sharp with dense, layered arrangements that reward repeated listens. YGH leader, Tom Curless (a multi-instrumentalist singer songwriter previously with Chicago based outfits Autoliner, Window Nine and Turnpike Down) remains in the drivers seat of YGH handling most of the instruments and vocals himself, but this time he adds the unique talents of Rachel Grekowicz on flute and Tom`s old Autoliner cohort John Ross joins on vocals scattered throughout proceedings. All of the essential musical ingredients that make Your Gracious Host singularly unique are here: Driving, taut rhythm, vocal harmonies, intriguing, often confessional lyrics, and guitars, guitars and more guitars. Which poses one serious musical question: What else could you really want from a three minute pop song?

Song #1 - mp3

Song #2 - mp3

Song #3 - mp3

Song #4 - mp3