JD McPherson
Let The Good Times Roll
**** out of *****
McPherson is not breaking any new ground here, even naming it the over used Let The Good Times Roll, but his blues based rock combo works all over, sometimes surprisingly well. The title track is a perfect intro with strumming guitars, rolling, piano, bumping bass and a sense of smiling in the production; instant winner in our book.
Backed by his band: Jimmy Sutton (upright bass), Jason Smay (drums), Ray Jacildo (keys) and Doug Corcoran (saxophone, guitar, keys) McPherson strolls through the late 50's/early 60's rock and roll touch points. The blues gospel mixing of "Bossy" is paired with the sax rock bop of "It's All Over But The Shouting".
When listening to a track like the ballad "Bridgebuilder" you get the sense that McPherson has written the perfect sound track to the Enchantment Under The Sea Dance from Back To The Future.
All of these tracks fit that vibe as the eleven tracks play just over a half hour. "It Shook Me Up" rambles proper while "Head Over Heels" plops down some muddy bass behind hand claps. "You Must Have Met Little Caroline?" and "Precious" are shaggy burners that show off the guitar work and great retro sound. "Shy Boy" gets minimalist leaving some open space for the crisp clear drumming before track closer "Everybody's Talking 'Bout The All American" ends the disk on a rave up.
There really isn't much to dislike here as McPherson and crew use a throwback formula in fresh ways and makes you want to join in on the fun and simply Let The Good Times Roll.
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This one really hit home. Nothing earth shattering just great tunes from JD McPherson, excited to catch him live hopefully later in the month.
Support the artist here, buy the album here, stream it here on NPR for a limited time and peep some video below:
Guitar is a magical instrument. It can easily sweeps down an audience with its powerful, inspiring rhythm. Unlock the budding rockstar in you now.
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