CD of The Week

Pop. Twee. Cute. These are words that have been in pretty much every review of Kip Berman's highly respected <strong>The Pains of Being Pure at Heart</strong>. Is it Berman's breathy vocals, the signature Noord/Telecaster twinkles, or the deep rooted love for Belle and Sebastian which is unmistakable in the previous 2 LPs? Does it really matter? The answer clearly is NO, because on Days of Abandon The Pains have successfully crafted a masterpiece.

Standout track "Beautiful You" has the gloss of a 90's mega-hit. The shiny atmosphere of the track can almost be visualized as the background for a Jennifer Aniston film trailer. Layers of sunshiny keys meet a Fender riff that you'd want to hear during the 1st kiss you share with that girl you've been stalking on OKCupid...its equally warming and mysterious all at once. Now newly filled with hope, Kip confesses "I miss you in the morning, holding on to fading dreams I could never believe"...and reality sets in. We all have that one bad breakup...

The Pains have always featured female vocals, this recording showcases Jen Goma (A Sunny Day In Glasgow, People Get Ready). Later in the record "Eurydice", easily the rave-up of the set, brings along all the makings of an indie-dance party hit... and then breaks your heart. Ms Goma swoops in at the last few seconds to bring the floaty stomp to a muse-like halt stating "In the summer rain alone I cried I couldn't stand to think heaven was a lie." We all have the one-who-got-away...

Can just south of 38 minutes of letter-perfect indie pop both raise you up and break you down? Does it really matter? The answer clearly is NO. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart just want you to leave you with a smile... whether its one of joy or a reminder of better days. Catch them here in Philly at Johnny Brenda'son Monday, May 19th.