Librarians With Hickeys - Handclaps & Tambourines

Released: 14 Oct 2022
Label: Big Stir

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Librarians With Hickeys, from Ohio, are back with their second album. It is more enjoyable jangle with plenty of great pop hooks.   Their sound is inspired by 80s REM with hints of the 60s Psych of The Byrds. 

It opens with 'I Better Get Home' which is superbly catchy and brought to mind The Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen In Love, so there are hints of Punk here too.

My favourite here is 'I Can't Stop Thinking About You' which is a wonderful love song, and instantly memorable. It shows simplicity is often the key with this music and I could imagine it would have been a college radio hit.  

Other highlights include 'Can't Wait Till Summer' which is highly melodic and anthemic. 'Lady Overdrive' is a fun listen with a huge chorus and handclaps e.t.c. 'Last Days of Summer' is beautifully Autumnal with some lovely viola playing, which also adds variety to the album.

 

Highly recommended Autumn listening, especially for fans of 80s jangle.

Librarians With Hickeys - Long Overdue

Released: 14 Aug 2020
Label: Big Stir
Listen and Buy Here

Librarians With Hickeys, from Ohio, are a new discovery for me, and this is their full length debut album.

Their sound is very jangly and reminiscent of The Byrds and R.E.M. The strength of the songs here shows they have the edge over many purveyors of this genre.

It opens with 'Until There Was You' which is perfect guitar pop full of great hooks. 'And Then She's Gone' is probably my favourite on the album - a very sweet and emotional song about moving away to make a better life for yourself.

'Be My Plus One' demonstrates superb songwriting and shows why a lot of the time, simple songs are the most effective. The harmonies and added ukulele make it even more perfect. 'Next Time' sounds like it could be a lost radio hit from the 80s.

Other highlights include 'Leave Me Alone' which is full of Punk energy and angrier in tone. It is really effective and adds variety. 'Alex' is beautifully atmospheric and laid back Summer evening listening. It ends on the very upbeat 'Black Velvet Dress' with more superb pop hooks and melodies. 

A wonderful album, highly recommended to any fans of the guitar pop genre.