Martinis & Bikinis

About

Sam Phillips is that rare singer-songwriter who thinks not just in terms of lyrics and chords but also in terms of texture and production. With husband T-Bone Burnett at her service (and with the capable hands of master arranger Van Dyke Parks), the duo channel a psychedelia that has its roots in the ‘60s sun-dappled pop of the Beatles without losing its 1994 edge. The guitars, in particular, surge throughout with the heady ambition of <i>Revolver</i>-era John Lennon clearly in mind. It’s his 1971 composition “Gimme Some Truth” that Phillips capably tackles here, but it’s the lush melodicism of “Strawberry Road” and “Same Changes” that best recall his iconoclastic and musical spirit. In these tunes, Phillips explores the vibrancy of past eras without ever turning ‘retro.’ The harmonies pile up in gorgeous cadence; the guitars chime in circular, glorious stereo. “Black Sky” uses a chain-gang rhythm and Phillips’ studio-processed vocals for ominous effect, as the taunting ‘la-la-lies’ vocal chant gains ground amongst the sparse piano notes and intertwining chorale vocal effects.

via Apple Music