This disc exhibits the talents of the Poor Richards, a duo of musicians who may or may not actually be brothers. While the truth of their origins may remain a mystery, their encyclopedic knowledge of pop hooks is on display for all to hear. This fun, refreshing disc pushes all of the pleasure buttons for anyone brought up on the music of the Beatles, Kinks, Animals, and other classic British Invasion artists, yet has a distinctly modern feel not unlike kindred spirits Teenage Fanclub and Sloan. The lyrics are intelligent and thoughtfully written, sometimes touching on slightly unusual and obviously personal subjects. Kiss Me Kate, for example, tells the story of a man who can't find time to spend alone with his wife because the demands of attending to the couple's newborn infant always get in the way. This tale of domestic frustration has obviously been experienced by many but told by few. Although the tracks do have a certain sameness about them, in this context it is a good thing. For sonic experimentalism, look elsewhere; for pure enjoyment that will put a smile on your face, slip this into the player.

A clear nod to the Beatles, the Kinks, and perhaps Nilsson, this debut CD manages to do something that many seasoned performers are still working on; create a mix of melodies that are autonomous, yet somehow improved by being placed next to each other. Each of the 18 songs is decidedly independent and unique, avoiding that obnoxious tendency of blurring into indecipherable dribble. Yet, when listened to as a whole, there is a flow to the music that just feels right, the way the White Album feels right, or Around the World in a Day feels right. The songwriting is stellar, and there are those pesky echoes of songs that will stay with you and make you smile (“Remember, Remember,” “Norwegian Friend,” and “Anything at All” all manage to repeat themselves in my head at the most inopportune moments). While not extremely polished and not at all showy, there is an edge to the music that makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into a sixties’ recording studio where the latest undiscovered talent is just beginning—and that you are lucky to have discovered them. And indeed you are.

I heard about these guys locally and liked one of the songs on the radio. The album is deceptively good, but sometimes the sonic homespun recording gets in the way. If you're willing to listen beyond that, the songs are really good. And every one is from sort of a different influence. The binding factor seems to be an organic inventiveness that's hard to find, reminds me of a "White Album" mentality, although obviously not quite as good as the Beatles.