Andrew Weiss and Friends – Beverly Hills, Thanksgiving Day

Until recently, I had never heard of Andrew Weiss & Friends. That all changed with their release of Beverly Hills, Thanksgiving Day, a 10 track “blend of Laurel Canyon folk and the sonic flourishes of late 70’s power pop”. While Andrew states that he doesn’t much care for genre labels, he has embraced “power pop-icana” as his own. And I think that’s fitting.

Colorful storytelling, guitar jangle and hooky choruses make for a stimulating listen. These are well written, lyrically witty story songs. If you’re a fan of bands like Traveling Wilburys or John Hiatt, you’re really gonna like this one.

Jimmy Buffet Meets Warren Zevon

The album starts out with the sad but very catchy “Hello Loneliness”. The chorus has a somewhat ironic lyrical twist, a talent that is all too rare today. The bouncy “Fear of Dying In Las Vegas” is Jimmy Buffet meets Warren Zevon. “I know what it’s like to lose. Don’t you know I’m a Met’s fan” is only part of one of the more amusing lyrics I’ve heard lately. And the background harmonies are perfect.

The chorus of “Doctor of Everything” is a monster hook and the string arrangements are absolutely wonderful. “Mid Century Lullaby” is a memorable blues-rocker and the jangle appeal of “Keeping Love Alive” brings us right back to where we started. This is damn fine “power pop-icana”.

Get Andrew Weiss’ Beverly Hills, Thanksgiving Day

Andrew Weiss and Friends’ Beverly Hills, Thanksgiving Day is one of the most satisfying albums I’ve heard in a while. Americana, power pop or otherwise, this is some damn fine songwriting. Buy it. You won’t be sorry. Get it at Amazon, Apple Music and everywhere fine music is sold.

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