Search - Pillbugs :: Everbody Wants a Way Out

Another Pop MASTERPIECE

William C. Andrews Jr. | Holly, MI United States | 11/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If the Pillbugs were a band in the 60's/70's, their music would be worshipped just like the Beatles/Brian Wilson today. This CD proves they are the unrecognized Kings of Pop music. Check out "North of Reality" to see for yourself!!! What a gem ..."

What A Way To Go Out

Mark Roland | 12/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Last year saw two major releases for The Pillbugs, their magnum opus Buzz For Aldrin and their first compilation, Monclovia. Now we have an entire cd of new material, Everybody Wants A Way Out, which continues their legacy as their generation's preeminent torchbearers of psychedelic pop.



There has always been an undercurrent of sadness mixed with the day-glo and paisley, be it the realization of youth's dream fading, or frustration with a world too busy with commerce and gossip to stop and appreciate the nighttime skies or the flowers at our feet. On these songs, it may be tempered with all their intricate production and gorgeous vocal harmonies, but it is a elegy nonetheless. What really makes it succeed is the directness of the songs, an urgency that propels the music forward, against the forces of indifference and mediocrity.



The first track is a rousing opener, Life As It Happens, and it's followed by Can't Get It Right (So I'm Loving It Wrong), which is a great example of Mark Mikel's songcraft and production, from the sitar and drum intro to the wistful lyric, then his characteristic and brilliant chorus. Emily Loves is blast of fun from Dan Chalmers, short and sweet. Soundman is a straight ahead guitar raga, with a wink and a nod to the daunting experience of every band's first gig or studio session. Do You Really Want To Go To The Center Of The Sun is a lullaby of sorts, theme music for the aging child in all of us. Hard Line is a powerful lament, with driving guitar work, perhaps the best song on the cd. The closing tracks of Tragedy Anne and North of Reality, recall the great album ending songs of past masters like, I Am The Walrus, and Chalkhills And Children (XTC), bands that helped to influence the Pillbugs, but these are distinctly unique and heartfelt statements that stand proudly on their own.



This music was produced under difficult circumstances, the death of founding member and bassist Mark Kelley, so the sadness is personal too. The need to continue on, if only for one last time, and keep the music alive, is a tribute to Mark and all the brilliant music they made together."