Record Review: Luna Versus You

By Rube Ambler

There was a time in my youth when my two favorite bands were The Replacements and The Smithereens (and that was just last week). Go figure. I loved both of them for reasons that were at the same time both similar and different. They were the only bands whose limited edition 12″ singles I still bought during that period in my life when I didn’t even have a functioning record player.

When I first heard Fountains of Wayne, I was delighted to have a replacement of sorts for my beloved Smithereens. Yes, they were not as somber or heartfelt but they were equally hooky and seemed to pay homage to the same influences. I also need to admit that think the Open Season soundtrack was Paul Westerberg’s best work since 14 Songs, and yes it is poppy as all get out. Finally, if all of those references are too old for you to recognize, than think of Bishop Allen. I love these bands because they all have a common attachment to a retro pop sensibility that is hard to deny as either a casual or serious listener.

And that brings us to the subject of this review – Luna Versus You. Richard Parsons, the man behind Luna Versus You, might tell you that the music he has written, performed, recorded and produced is retro-pop, and it is. However, it is not the orchestral, psychedelic, “I’ve listened to Pet Sounds 1,000 times,” retro 60s pop so popular among indie rock bands right now. No, Luna Versus You is the kind 60s pop music that was actually popular back then. (Despite being the Beach Boy‘s eleventh studio album, Pet Sounds didn’t even earn a gold record in its original release).

Instead Luna Versus You evokes the best of the 60s pop that was popularized by the British Invasion – The Kinks, Donovan, Herman’s Hermits – and imitated by all those bands mentioned above. Records teeming over with big hooks and memorable verses set against fuzzy guitars and massive Rhodes keys. In fact, Luna Versus You does it so well, I will tell you that it would have been a million seller in a different era (and it still should be).

Does that mean it’s dated though? Oh no. The good Mr. Parsons takes on modern topics like sustainability and technological alienation in the midst of songs about two people just trying to get some time together. The upbeat tempos often belie the longing and grown-up angst embedded in the lyrics. Like some of the best pop music you will ever hear, it is only after you’ve sang along to the lyrics more than once that you fully realize what you’ve been singing.

The record opens with the infectious beats of “Only You” which immediately discount our current economic woes in favor of a time “when money couldn’t buy you love” and proclaims “baby, I’m ready to spend.” The big keys and head nodding drums continue through the first three songs. The tempo breaks only slightly for the hopeful/hopeless sentiment of “When You Come Around” and by the time you return to the sixth track – the single “Lights Out Lovers” – you’re ready to grab your best girl and pretend you’re in that classic Weezer video for “Buddy Holly”. If there’s a complaint to be had, it’s that this record is only eight songs long.

Very well produced even if only published for the “sake of getting it off my desktop,” Luna Versus You will provide fine accompaniment for you on those long drives to the lake or beach this summer. It’s fun, accessible and thoughtful enough that it can withstand any hipster who thinks pop means not smart. I plan on keeping my copy in the CD sleeve of the car visor all year long and suggest you do the same.

Copies of Luna Versus You will be available locally at Decatur CD on March 30 (the full moon). The CD release party will be April 2 at The Marlay House in Downtown Decatur – meet Richard and get copies of the CD there.

Finally, if you haven’t seen the fantastic animated video for “Lights Out Lovers” by Brad McGinty then check it out here.

Listen: Luna Versus You – Lights Out Lovers

Listen: