ALAMO RACE TRACK

They are masters of affirmative song writing and the deal on this claim is sealed, so to speak, by their magisterial use of vocals, whether employed in ridiculously gymnastic harmonies or counter melodic punches. Listen to the way the vocals inform the mood of a song; comforting as on “Shake Off the Leaves”, or slightly daft as in “Motorman and Owls”. “Lindyshop” has a wide-eyed lunacy that is all of its own making, all the time reined in and yet, (somehow, quite inexplicably for this correspondent), reinforced by some splendid harmonies.

The music has a skip in its step, too: “The Moon Rides High” is a classic track, utilizing that clever knack of returning triumphantly to a catchy chorus. And I wonder what drives their lyrics? This is a record very much of its times and of another time; but unlike lots of releases around today, you don’t need – or feel the need – to have a degree in pop history to appreciate it.