El Goodo

El Goodo
El Goodo (Empyrean
Records; October 2006)

If the idea of a Mamas and Papas rip-off band singing lines like, “If I
was a film, I’d be a documentary” makes you gag, prepare to be
astonished. In the spirit of Camera Obscura
and Belle and Sebastian’s newest work, El Goodo’s debut
album pays tribute to musical innovators of the ’60s, but with
lyrics and drum-heavy melodies one could only expect from devotees
of 20th century rock. The multi-instrumental fivesome, hailing from
a small town in South Wales, prove that not every worthwhile band
need spend its early years drinking cheap beer in Brooklyn to gain
some recognition.

Though the self-titled album kicks off with several upbeat
sunshine pop throwbacks — altered by quirky drums that will surely
have listeners tapping their toes a bit less embarrassingly than
they would to The Byrds — the songs are delightfully eclectic,
switching from Mexican horns to dark Velvet
Underground-like ballads with mournful strings.

Music snobs beware: Buy this album now before it becomes so
popular you have to pretend not to like it.

For a music video, click here.