albums

The production, arrangements and recording are strictly decent (but clean and well crafted) demo-quality, the drummer boat-anchors the tunes behind the beat—he’s no Ringo—and with tunes such as “You’re Like Lead” (you’re always bringing me down), and “Rubber Soul,” and with an album title like Love Is Not Enough (get it?) you have to wonder if these guys are doing Beatles or Rutles.

The mastermind/musical humorist here is a guy named Pat Kearns, who writes in the Lennon plus McCartney style (he’s actually integrated them better than Lennon/McCartney) and sings from his inner Lennon and I don’t think he’s kidding, though he’s adding just enough musical irony to leaven the “trafficking in nostalgia” charge. It works, because though you’ve got your own roadmap to the musical vein he’s working, and can probably see where he’s going before he gets there, you’ll appreciate Kearns’ craft.

He writes charming, melodic tunes (mostly about being disappointed in love) that often “note step” like what the tune to “She Loves You” does in the first line (“You think you’ve lost your love”)and incorporates other Mersey Beat devices, keeping the retired musical techniques refreshed and serviceable, though occasionally the antecedent pokes through like a stick in a plastic trash bag.

First time through I dismissed this as totally derivative and laughed at it. Now I find myself listening and enjoying the tunes and the clarity of the musical lines and threadbare production, while still laughing at it, and more importantly, with it.

Beatles fans especially will enjoy much of this Portland, Oregon based band’s charming and skillful Beatles-like tribute; I did, but I’m sorry to say there’s no going back.