Ladybug Transistor
Can’t Wait Another Day
Merge
Listening to Ladybug Transistor’s latest album Can’t Wait Another Day is a joy. The blissful pop hooks, upbeat rhythms, thoughtful lyrics and excellent musicianship that have been the signature of LT are all here, even after some core lineup changes. With help from The Clientele, Architecture in Helsinki and Jens Lekman (all of whom have new albums out this year also), Ladybug Transistor remains in top form, producing some of the best chamber pop this side of the Atlantic. But in contrast to their British counterparts Belle & Sebastian, Ladybug Transistor favors a more traditional pop sound, possibly bordering on “‘70s elevator music.” And while Burt Bacharach is a clear influence on Can’t Wait Another Day, that’s no reason to pass on this gem. If you think so, maybe you should go back to school.
The disc opens with “Always on the Telephone,” a jangly indie-pop romp with a dash of British invasion for spice. And LT keeps it up-tempo on “In Between” and “California Stopover.” Don’t be fooled; this album is all about the ballads. “So Blind” and “Terry” are beautiful. And just tell me it wouldn’t be the total shit to hear Elvis Costello cover “Lord Don’t Pass Me By” with a full orchestra in tow. These tracks are proof positive that the American pop ballad a la Burt Bacharach is alive and kicking. And if you still think that’s lame, you’re a loser.
Sadly, longtime Ladybug Transistor drummer San Faydl passed away not long before the record was released.
Ladybug Transistor: http://www.theladybugtransistor.com
