We’re definitely digging big bands these days. Maybe it’s a sign. Like perhaps we should actually get outside around other people now and then? Whatever the case, fluctuating Michigan pop collective Saturday Looks Good To Me list a hefty dozen contributors in the liner notes for fourth album Fill Up The Room. The photo we have includes just half that number, so let’s stick with “fluctuating” for now.
One surefire regular’s the poly-instrumental front-and-center man Fred Thomas. On “Make A Plan,” his intimately charming vocals (it occasionally sounds like he’s about to laugh) and witty “Jenny” lyrics drift beside wafts of guitar strums, flanges, ‘n’ sustain.
At around the two-minute mark (and onward) when shakers, tambourine, and synthy blurts join with a warm organ and slightly chillier piano, the band’s gently crowded palette hits like a refreshing weekend breeze. Yup, Saturday does look pretty good right about now. Big question: Who’s playing the bathtub/wavepool?
Fill Up The Room is out 10/23 on K.
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holy crap, this entire album is amazing. less 60s, more weird, all awesome.
Fred Thomas is an astonishing songwriter. He’s played a number of solo shows in Brooklyn in the past month, not sure if you made it to any, S’gum.
Fred played at The Creek and the Cave in LIC QNS last night and it was pretty jaw-dropping as usual. Expect another likely Queens show in September…
Another track from the upcoming album is on their myspace… I’ve got to say I’m getting more than excited about the upcoming record, from what I’ve heard so far. Definitely a departure from the first two a bit, but doesn’t seem like that is going to be a bad thing, as much as I cherish the earlier ones.
This makes me so happy.
And the song really befits from the more “hifi” sound
the number of truely wonderful songs this man has penned is dizzying. i keep finding new collections of older stuff and old 7″ singles from him and am rarely disappointed.
is that an Os Mutantes guitar sample?