Highlights: Terra Nova, Conversations, Change, Goodbye To All
That
If the name of this band
pops up in a conversation (a highly unlikely conversation, one might think), soon
enough you will start talking about The Replacements. Which is kind of
inevitable. Back in the 80’s, Pedaljets released two albums full of songs that
an uninspired Paul Westerberg could have come up with. Still, I had high hopes
for this comeback, and I’m happy to report: 25 years after 1988’s Today Today, Pedaljets finally prove
that they may have been great songwriters all along.
“Terra Nova” is an effective
lead-off single that balances the band’s rougher, Detroit rock side, with a
terrific vocal hook. “Riverview” is more of the same, only minus the hook,
which makes it a bit generic. Thankfully, we then have a major highlight in the
delightfully melodic “Conversations”, whose piano and acoustic guitar rhythm
rolls on in a truly classic, slightly Bowie-esque way. The middle eight is
unmistakably Beatlesque. Then the opening organ of “Change” reinstates your suspicion
that the long wait has been worthwhile. This is strong songwriting. You do
stumble upon a rather predictable rocker once or twice, but the overall
impression is great. The riff of “Nature Boy” is tastefully rough and memorable.
The anthemic “Goodbye To All That” has a tune to kill for.
In a recent interview
with Pedaljets, I’ve read that they actually consider What’s In Between their best album. No argument here. All the best
sides of the band are represented, and the album is simply a joy to listen to.
Stylistically, nothing has changed, but that’s not really an issue when the
songs are this good. So that next time my hand might reach for Tim or Pleased To Meet Me, I will think twice.
8/10
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