To call Best Coast lo-fi ’60s revival pop is putting it too simply. Here’s a little more convoluted interpretation: Imagine Liz Phair is the lead singer of the Vivian Girls and she’s been taking singing lessons from Neko Case and the album was written during heavy listening of Phil Spector-produced works. Maybe we’ll just stick with indie lo-fi ‘60s revival pop.
The songs here are unabashed love songs in the tradition of the Ronettes and bring the listener warm feelings. The previous singles and Eps from Bethany Cosentino and co. seemed to hold back a bit on the sappiness. With this, their first full-length LP, Best Coast goes full bore into sun, fun, and romance with excellent results. Crazy For You kicks off with the pursuit of a boy in “Boyfriend,” and ends with Cosentino giving thanks “Each And Everyday,” that she has him (presumably the same guy). In between are several gems of love of love professed (“The End,” and “Honey,”) that stick out in today’s indie rock landscape because they actually sound honest. Love songs today are considered corny if they’re not cynical or tongue-in-cheek. What a long way we’ve come. Being sweet is actually unique.
The lo-fi reverby aesthetic does nothing to diminish the brightness of the content. It only makes it sound all the more sonically authentic to the era that so clearly influences it. With its great tunes and happy spirit, this is the quintessential summer album.
