And citing Franz Ferdinand, Led Zepplin, Foo Fighters as "points of reference" seems quite a stretch.
http://www.bigyawn.net/cdreview.php?id=331 W e've all heard the heartfelt wailings of Chris Martin of Coldplay and we've all witnessed the energy and musical genius of Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones. So what can we learn from the latest wafer-thin musical import from England? I would argue that Brendan Benson offers us Yankees a renewed faith in and appreciation for the music of the Motherland with his latest effort, Alternative to Love. The most recent British invasion, beginning with Muse and followed by Keane is aptly and skillfully continued with this latest effort from Brendan Benson (who will actually be touring with Keane on their next US tour). As vastly different as these English bands are, together they seem to cover the roak and roll spectrum and give us a hope that there is more great music to come from the old country.
With Alternative to Love recently released in the U.S. (March 22), and with an upcoming appearance on Conan O'Brien (April 1), Brendan Benson is poised to take a place in the American spotlight. While the first single (and first album track) "Spit It Out" has not made waves on the U.S. airwaves, the folow up "Cold Hands Warm Heart" has all the hooks and pop appeal that gives it the potential to break through. And the rest of the album is a solid display of songwriting know-how, intricate harmonies, and impressive arrangements. A feel-good, head-bopping album, Alternative to Love is the kind of CD you can just pop in your car stereo and listen to as you take a long drive to nowhere in particular, forgetting all of the cares in the world for ... well, approximately 45 minutes. Though I must admit that my red, white, and blue nature was a little leary of a British album with a song entitled "Pledge of Allegiance." Unfortunately, even against my will, that track quickly became a favorite. So if you're up for a retro throwback to the good-old days of the British rock of the late '60s and '70s, give this CD a spin and you won't be disappointed.
