COTTON MATHER

COTTON MATHER
KONTIKI (1999)
320 KBPS

Very like The Beatles (with John Lennon on vocal, and more psychedelic guitars), to the extent that you might think that you've heard some of these tunes before, that they are covers of lesser known Beatles songs (if there is such a thing nowadays). But they are also reminiscent of cult band Big Star (mid 70s) and more modern bands such as The Posies. But then the song "Vegetable Row" sounds more like the Gin Blossoms with Gerry Rafferty on vocals, singing a Bob Dylan song. There are a lot of influences in here, but overall Cotton Mather do manage to have their own sound. Some of the songs sound like they are sung through a megaphone, but I think it's just the nasal quality of singer Robert Harrison's voice.
Whether it's the gorgeous hooks of "My before and after", the intense tuneful grunge of "Church of Wilson", or "Spin my wheels" with its angelic harmonies, there's something here for everyone.
There isn't a single song on here that I don't like - and there are lots here that are just divine. The last song on the album, "Autumn's birds" is one such song, with a tender frailty about it - definitely leaves you wanting more.
Basically, it's good guitar pop, and just because it hasn't been played to death on the radio doesn't mean it's not worth checking out.

1. Camp Hill Rail Operator
2. Homefront Cameo
3. Spin My Wheels
4. My Before And After
5. Private Ruth
6. Vegetable Row
7. Aurora Bori Alice
8. Church Of Wilson
9. Lily Dreams On
10. Password
11. Animal Show Drinking Song
12. Prophecy For The Golden Age
13. She's Only Cool
14. Autumn's Birds

password: MOODSWINGSmusic