Mood Elevator - 'Married Alive' (Laughing Outlaw)
4/5
By: Matt Tomiak
Marvellous. 2004's barely a fortnight old yet and already we have this feisty little
gem bestowed upon us.
Long-time Michigan cohorts Chris Plum and Brendan Benson have been knocking around together for quite a while, you see, and their latest mutual endeavour is a fine album, fizzling with pop hooks and endearing lo-fi Americana.
Taking The Moldy Peaches' sense of juvenile frolicking and genuine sweetness, the boys (and their band) have in 'Married Alive' constructed a record of quality, quirky appeal. They throw sludgy faux-ZZ Top riffs ('Boycott') amongst shiny Beach Boys-isms ('Long Hard Look').
And there's some swoonsome, 60s girl-group harmonies ('Something I Need') sitting alongside tender whimsy ('Beginner's Luck') and sooper-dooper, sugar-coated punk-rock a la The Lemonheads in their pomp ('Best Kept Secret'). Collectively: a hotchpotch of good-natured, sprightly indie-rock, at its most supremely enjoyable.
Artists in this article: Mood Elevator
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