The Living Sisters

Three veterans of the L.A. music scene have teamed up as the Living Sisters to make harmony-heavy retro pop that pays homage to '50s girl groups. And oh how sweet it is. Eclectic singer-songwriter Eleni Mandell, Lavender Diamond's Becky Stark and Inara George (of jazzy pop outfit the Bird and the Bee) have collaborated on Love To Live, bringing sparkling three-part harmonies to a polished and captivating collection of songs. All three women had a hand in the songwriting, but Eleni Mandell's are the standout tracks; their lively melodies buoy subtler tunes from Stark and George. Kicking off with the playful "How Are You Doing?," the album mixes giddy love songs with weepy heartbreakers. Doo-wop-ish choruses and references to ferris wheels, sunsets, candy bars and gin martinis contribute to the album's faded, vintage patina. Contemporary instrumental quirks and a blending of soul, county and pop sensibilities, however, render this lovely album unmistakably modern.