On the second single from their forthcoming LP, DC–area power pop sensations The Airport 77s treat us to a straight-forward ode to lost love. And it'll tear your heart out in exactly the way a song like this ought to. Knowing the band's penchant for clever wordplay and seeing the song title, you might have expected "1999 (Take Me Back)" to be some sort of humorous retro homage. But there's not a whiff of winking irony to be had. This is a textbook tale of regret and longing — and a reminder that there's no statue of limitations on heartbreak. All I remember of the last night of the '90s was getting so inebriated that I didn't care if the world ended. But this song's protagonist, who is not so lucky, would do anything do go back to a time before it all slipped away. Imagine the torture of being reminded of what you lost every time you heard "...Baby One More Time" for the rest of your life. And yet like most great downer love songs, "1999 (Take Me Back)" is more anthemic and cathartic than it is depressing. Andy Sullivan's talent for crafting a perfect pop hook is exceeded by very few people in this world. And his lyrics paint such a vivid picture that I can literally feel myself back in 1999. When that chorus hits, you'll find yourself asking why they don't play songs like this on the radio anymore. And to call that guitar solo "epic" almost undersells it. Even if you were not born until after 1999, this is probably a song you can deeply relate to. Don't Let Go, the full album, will be out in less than four weeks on JEM Records. I can't wait!
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