From bandmates (Damon & Naomi in Galaxie 500, members of the Feelies and Mercury Rev in Luna) to his shrewd choice in producers (Tony Visconti, Dave Fridmann), some may say that the secret to Dean Wareham's unaltered success relies on his ability to surround himself with a strong supporting staff. Following 2013's Emancipated Hearts mini-LP, Wareham releases his first solo full-length, a predictably collaborative effort that finds him teaming up with wife Britta Phillips, longtime drummer Anthony LaMarca and My Morning Jacket's Jim James (who also produced the album).
That said, the album is a joyous, well-executed mish-mash rooted in crisp sounds, thanks to James' rock-centric production. Closing with a pair of conversant moody, cascading and ethereal pieces, the rest of the LP jumps between loungey ballads ("Heartless People"), countrified skillets ("Love is Not a Roof Against the Rain") and bare-chested stompers ("I Can Only Give My All"). On this self-titled release, Wareham seemingly revels in the exploratory freedom that comes from recording a so-called solo album.
(Double Feature)That said, the album is a joyous, well-executed mish-mash rooted in crisp sounds, thanks to James' rock-centric production. Closing with a pair of conversant moody, cascading and ethereal pieces, the rest of the LP jumps between loungey ballads ("Heartless People"), countrified skillets ("Love is Not a Roof Against the Rain") and bare-chested stompers ("I Can Only Give My All"). On this self-titled release, Wareham seemingly revels in the exploratory freedom that comes from recording a so-called solo album.
