The BoDeans have operated underneath the pop chart radar since the early eighties. A damn shame as far as I’m concerned.
These guys seem to be viscerally strong in terms of their ability to create a power riff. My first exposure to them was back in the early '90s with Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams (1990). This Wisconsin-based band provided an alternative to the techno-based drivel that seemed to dominate the airwaves at that time. Still doesn’t disappoint.
It’s a solid release of strong power-pop and roots rock material. “Pretty Ghost” is a haunting song with an equally haunting riff. “The First Time” is simply beautiful, dealing with a break-up situation - who hasn’t been there? I loved “Waste a Lifetime;" it’s an anthem for the new kids taking power…and more power to them.
“Wonder ,Wonder” has a familiar Byrdsian feel (yeah I’m a sucker), where you could almost sense that Clarence White might have sat in on the session. ” Found me a Reason" brings echoes of Gene Clark’s first solo release after he left the Byrds.
Still isn’t going to set any new musical directions, but it is a solid effort for a band that’s been around for a long time…and, God willin’, will be around for a long time to come.
