The Speedways – Talk Of The Town

Every once in a while a good one gets by me. Such was the case with The Speedways’ Talk Of The Town. Released at the tail end of last year, the thirteen tracks on this one are as good as most anything from 2022. The guitars are filthy, the vocal delivery has balls to spare and the hook laden melodies will have you humming along. Suffice it to say, this is prime time power pop.

While listening to this, the band’s third LP, I was at once reminded of vintage Knack, Tom Petty and perhaps Elvis Costello. “Dead From the Heart Down” is undeniably catchy and a perfect opener. “Secrets, Secrets” borrows from vintage 70’s power pop and the uptempo “Kiss Me Goodbye” is equally as engaging. All show an indebtedness to past masters of the genre.

Jellyfish Meets Costello

That said, the band hits its peak with the irresistible “A Drop In the Ocean” and the impossibly catchy “A Song Called Jane And A Lie Called Love”. The former is the kind of radio ready, sugar sweet pop that would have been a hit back when real radio was king. Think of it as Jellyfish meets Costello. The latter boasts an unorthodox percussive groove and a memorable, shout-aloud chorus. Both are real winners.

Get The Speedways’ Talk Of The Town

Had I heard this album last year, it would have been listed among 2022’s best. But better late than never, as they say. Get your copy at Kool Kat Musik or Amazon. You’d be crazy not to.