The Courtneys - II

There are few albums I've heard in the last six months that have produced as many smiles as II, the new album from Vancouver, British Columbia's The Courtneys.  No, it is nothing the trio has said; nor is it attributable to goofy antics.  Quite simply, these ladies hit the ground with ten songs that have enough grit to remind you of the garage and enough polish to take their present and future in music dead seriously.  The harmonies are like a direct infusion of sunshine to your bloodstream, and the pace and energy are like three double espressos in a row.  Hooks, riffs, muscle, attitude -- it's all here and all sincere.  And the performances are piano-wire tight.  If you want a few references before streaming the selections below, consider The Clean, early Teenage Fanclub and Guided By Voices to be honored spiritual uncles to The Courtneys.  Good bloodlines are important in music.

One can wonder whether the fact that II is being released by iconic New Zealand label Flying Nun means that Vancouver is now the northern-most city in New Zealand.  On the other hand, it just may mean that Flying Nun has decided to conquer the world.  If conquest means putting out more music like II, sign us up for the effort.

The Courtneys are Jen Twynn Payne (drums/lead vocals), Sydney Koke (bass/vocals), and Courtney Loove (guitar/vocals).







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