MUSIC REVIEW OF THE DAY: LAKE STREET DIVE - SIDE PONY

Lake Street Dive were all the rage a couple of years back, with everyone predicting big things. Guess what? They were right! The band has gone from a darn fine album (Bad Self Portraits) to an excellent one, with this latest. Fun, smart, and talented, the band specializes in taking classic pop and soul forms and giving them a bright new, modern makeover. The songs are highly-crafted, but still easily enjoyed as ear candy.


Opener Godawful Things is a strong blast of vintage soul, punched up to today's standards similar to the Daptone Records groups. But at the end, the song does an abrupt turn, becoming a choral harmony binge. That's something new. That's just one trick though. Close To Me is reminiscent of a Beatles blues, Abbey Road-era. The group even brings in disco later, without making it seem cheesy or retro.


While all this is attractive enough, the lead vocals of Rachael Price are the final magic touch. Smokey, soulful, she has the spunk of Amy Winehouse and the pop of Adele. This band feels very exciting.