Punk and rock n' roll reviews from Lord Rutledge and friends
Wednesday, June 03, 2020
Hayley and the Crushers - "Jacaranda"
For the first time in my life, I had to rewrite an entire record review. When I'm writing about Hayley and the Crushers, it's my natural inclination to take a joyful, carefree tone and to romanticize the eternal pool party that lives within the band's music. But clearly a joyful, carefree tone is neither possible nor appropriate while a nation is grieving. This does not mean, however, that music can't still bring hope and happiness into our lives. With a hurting heart, I take comfort in a couple of wonderful songs from one of my favorite bands. The "Jacaranda" 7" arrives courtesy of Canada's Reta Records and Italy's Surfin' Ki Records. Fresh from releasing the phenomenal Vintage Millennial (still my #1 album of the year so far), Hayley and the Crushers have turned out another gem of a record. "Jacaranda" has that perfect early '80s new wave power pop sound with a spirit to match. I love how it's both an upbeat pop song and something far deeper than that. It's a song full of emotion and meaning, reminding all of us of the importance of living our lives fully and embracing the great big world that exists outside of our little bubbles. As I reflect on the state of things and what I can do to make this world a better place, I find this tune inspiring. That chorus is magical. And it certainly doesn't hurt to have one of my very favorite musicians, Dougie Tangent, sitting in on drums. The Go-Go's are the most obvious comparison here, but I'm reminded just as much of Holly and the Italians. In keeping with the early '80s Southern California vibe, "Angelyne" is a loving homage to the Hollywood icon. It's got a bit of a Missing Persons/Berlin new wave feel to it, but with guitars that really crunch. I love how this band can continually take the best elements of a bygone era and blend them seamlessly into a fresh, modern take on surf/punk/pop.
While I scrapped the whole "song of the summer" angle of my original review, I will say that both tracks on this latest Hayley and the Crushers single have brought me joy and will continue to do so for a long time to come. Music heightens our best times, but it's also capable of making our worst times more bearable. I've been spinning Vintage Millennial as I type this, and it feels like a ray of sunshine on my soul. As disheartening as current events are, it's very encouraging to see the way the masses are coming together to demand the dismantling of systemic racism in America. I've been comforted by the goodness I see in the majority of individuals - particularly in our underground music community. This gives me hope for a brighter times ahead, and for future summers when all are free to enjoy pool parties, beach getaways, and cruising with the top down.
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