I usually cringe a little bit when people talk about 60s-inspired pop. Even though I love a lot of the music that actually created that genre, I find I have very little patience for the throwbacks. So I was a bit skeptical of The 1900s until I heard “When I Say Go” and all my doubts drifted away. I’m a complete sucker for this sort of rolling piano/bass beat and the way the chorus rises up and the piano follows along just blows me away. I could do without the guitar burst in the middle but apart from that’s it’s as close to a perfect pop song as I’ve heard in a long time.
When I Say Go – The 1900s
Georgia – The 1900s
Part of their charm is that they draw quite a bit more from The Mamas and the Papas (and maybe a little Fleetwood Mac) than most of these 60s throwbacks. There is definitely a psych element to the guitar work, but it always has the constant backdrop of folk – as it should. This is especially the case on their best songs (“When I Say Go,” “Georgia,” “City Water”). Light acoustic guitars and sunny harmonies – it’s a perfect record for celebrating the last throes of autumn.
The album is Cold and Kind, and it came out last month.