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Track
Listing:
01. Lovedust
02. Weird and Woozy
03. Black Postcards
04. Black Champagne
05. Swedish Fish
06. Renee Is Crying
07. Mermaid Eyes
08. 1995
09. Rememories
10. Dizzy
11. Orange Peel
12. Romantica
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CMJ
New Music Report, Apr 22, 2002
Luna
treats the electric guitar like a magic wand. When Dean
Wareham and Sean Eden strum and pick, hypnotic sounds
emanate, creating a world of forever dusk. Romantica
wraps you up in a comfortable cocoon of dream pop, psychedelic
swirls and witty lyricism. After playing record-label
bingo, Luna has softly landed with Jet Set, crafting
an album to stand beside the mastery of Penthouse and
the timelessness of Wareham's previous band, Galaxie
500. Lest you think that the band's seventh album signals
a rut, factor in enchanting new bass player Britta Phillips
(pop culture footnote: Britta played the punky guitarist
in the 1988 movie Satisfaction as well as being the voice
of cartoon pop diva Jem). This is her first studio album,
and her playful bass work and lush vocals add a new aura
to Luna. Recorded on a smaller budget than the band's
major-label offerings, this album has a raw and immediate
feel. The wizardry of Dave Fridman's (Mercury Rev, Flaming
Lips) mix also keeps the album from being just another
Luna record. The duet "Mermaid Eyes" is gorgeous, with
synthesized orchestration and '60s French-pop spookiness.
Whether it's the fuzzed-out glam rocker "1995" or the
slinky groove of "Dizzy"(which brilliantly lifts from
Van Halen's "Jump"), Romantica casts 12 spells that bewitch.
- Chris
Larry: CMJ New Music Report Issue: 759
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