BRENDAN BENSON – Lapalco (Star Time International)

Brendan Benson has written, performed and produced a debut that is simply great. Lapalco is crammed full with pop songs that leave you uncontrollably smiling from start to finish. Lapalco is full of obvious influences from the likes of Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys and especially The Beatles right through to Elliot Smith and co.  This can only be a good thing, of course!

When I walked into a record store in Bend, Oregon, I found this album in the bargain bin for $3. I almost reported the crime to the local police department, what a steal. There was no choice, the album made it out of the shop in my hands with my wallet a little bit lighter. It’s been a while since playing Lapalco from start to finish and it sure hasn’t lost its sparkle, each song is different yet has the signature of Benson all over. It’s as if Lapalco is an experiment, and we are the guinea pigs. Benson wants to know how to shape his next LP by asking us just what we think. ‘Tiny Spark’, ‘Folksinger’ and ‘Jet Lag’ are the stand out trio, they form the solid framework of a beautiful album. These three songs make it worth purchasing alone.

“I talked so much, as it were, I’ve made the local news, the boy has got the magic touch and he can never lose” sums up the majestic ‘Jet Lag’.  It depicts his life as a ‘rock star’ and how he’s adapted, a song that is musically smooth and easily deserves a single release. 

With its Rolling Stones rock n roll attitude ‘Good To Me’ is not to be underestimated either, to Lapalco what Leeds United are to the Premiership.

Benson hails from Detroit, Michigan, but has been too busy with his Beatles and Beach Boys LPs to bother with Stripes. Perhaps he's arrived a little too early, but his music will be in demand as soon as garage rock fades.  Then he will stand proud as the founder of the “We Sound Like Many 60s Rock And Roll Bands But We Don’t Care” scene. Can’t wait!

Brendan Benson is touring throughout October with Medium 21, and if you see him, be sure to tell him that his music is worth a hell of a lot more than $3! cheers! Stuart Bryce.