“Major Lodge Victory” by THE GIN BLOSSOMS 

If you liked their classic hits, the old Gins are back at it with their patented blend of jangly pop goodness.

Exactly 14 summers ago Arizona’s Gin Blossoms released New Miserable Experience, eventually going multiplatinum on the strength of timeless powerpop anthems “Hey Jealousy” and “Found Out About You.” A so-so follow-up (not to mention the alcohol- and depression-fueled exit of their principle songwriter), however, led to a subsequent split in ‘97. Now, after a 2002 reunion, comes Major Lodge Victory. Against all odds it’s a worthy successor to NME, evoking that album’s twinned vibe of ecstasy and melancholy.

Guitarist Jesse Valenzuela takes on the lion’s share of the writing — admittedly, he’s abetted by a song doctor, the Rembrandts’ Danny Wilde — in particular serving up the spirited, Beatlesque first single “Learning the Hard Way” and “Long Time Gone” (which contains striking “Found Out…” overtones). Vocalist Robin Wilson’s jangly thumper “Come On Hard” also joins the ranks of classic Blossoms compositions. And with Wilson’s honey-throated warble still as much a band trademark as the jangles, the album sounds familiar and fresh — the feel-good hit of the ‘06 summer.

FREE OFFER: Get 35 FREE Songs at eMusic! - eMusicPromoCode.com:

• Risk-free two week trial.
• No DRM,
• No complicated restrictions.
• Works with any MP3 player.
• Quit before 14 days and still keep your 35 songs! Really!

Posted on January 22nd, 2010 by admin
Filed under: pick of the day