The Shady Cats can produce only one word from their listeners, and that’s “Wow!” There’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it, this band is a classic rock fan’s idea of heaven. A little bit of all the greats from the 60s and 70s show up throughout Love Callin’. It’s got psychedelic melodies and power pop guitars, and lyrics that will have you singing along in no time.
Love Callin’ is the album you want to grab on a sunny day when you are about to get in the car with a group of friends. It’s also the album you grab when the rain is pouring down and you need a pick-me-up. This is an album that instantly perks you up. It’s good-time music. The title track is fast-paced with jangling guitars and a vocal that sounds like Rob Thomas and the boys from Fountains Of Wayne got together and had a love child that everyone is cooing over. The lyrics are what really grab you. “Wine warms my heart, but it don’t warm our sheets. It can’t cuddle me, but it helps me sleep” is one of those lines — and as soon as you hear it, you are grinning because it’s true.
“Take Me” has a country rock feel, with some blazing guitars and a touch of a twang. It’s songs like this that show the versatility of vocalist Grady Crumpler. Remember that name, because Grady is going to be a name that you won’t want to forget. After one listen, you are going to want to tell all your friends about how great The Shady Cats are — and when you do that, you’ll want to remember that Grady is the lead singer.
One of the tracks that really stands out on Love Callin’, and there are many, is “In The Moment,” which features Don Dixon on vocals. Don’s produced albums for bands such as R.E.M. and The Smithereens. This track takes its vibe from The Smithereens’ new wave/classic pop sound.
“Til The Rain Comes” is eerily like another, more famous song about rain. The chorus will fool you into thinking John Lennon is singing. But this song is much more upbeat than The Beatles’ “Rain,” and both songs have very different messages. “Til The Rain Comes” is more about how the rain cools you and revives you from the heat of the day, whereas The Beatles’ “Rain” deals more with the way society seems to hide when things aren’t cheery and bright.
“She Kisses Me With Her Eyes” is a great example of power pop at its finest. It has one of the best guitar riffs on the album and chorus invites you to sing along. It is a fast-paced listen that is best played at top volume, preferably from a car stereo.
They don’t ignore ballads either. “All The Way” is a Hollies-esque tune, with slow vocals that put you in a dream-like state and a beat that will get your body swaying.
Love Callin’ is an album that you’ll play once because you are intrigued about the band, but you’ll play it again and again because you have fallen in love with it.
Review by Andrea Guy
