Album Notes

Coming on the heels of their sophomore release "Cut the Jive", 2008's "Either Sunset or Sunrise" encounters Paul Spencer & The Maxines exploring new influences. Produced by Paul Opalach and featuring 5 brand new songs, this mostly acoustic EP opens with the whistle-y and anthemic "Whatever Forever and Ever", in which angst-ridden lines such as "Failure is liberating / You should try it sometime" are uttered with great effect by Spencer against a crescendo of guitars, much like the old 'Mats classic "Answering Machine". Maxines' guitarist Danny Soares is the man behind the fiery guitarwork on this song.

"Sunny Town for Shady People" arrives next, filled with a stoned-out vibe ("I get so high / I feel vertigo") and propelled by a very 60's Farfisa organ sound that recalls Doug Sahm's Sir Douglas Quintet. Maxines' drummer Bobby Soares supplies the tasteful and creative percussion work on this tune, while Mark Soares, who also created the EP cover, provides his usual top-notch bass skills and background vocals that so well serve the whole EP.

"Clara Bow" finds Paul Spencer & The Maxines further expanding their sound with a gorgeous string section that sweeps throughout the song. Written about the legendary 1920's silent movie actress ("The quintessential 'It' girl / Without a sound she'd steal every scene / But her life was a hell of a wind whirl / Behind the bright silver screen"), this is a tune rich in harmonies and clever wordplay.

The mellow, Americana-tinged "C'mon, Hurry Up and Wait" features a hooky chorus and a 12-String Rickenbacker (courtesy of workhorse producer Paul Opalach) that brings to mind The Byrds, while the mandolin-flavored "The Man With a 30 Second Memory" is a catchy, fun little ditty that makes you wish this EP was longer...but I guess we'll have to wait until these guys' third album comes out!