Customer Reviews

Places

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The 12 tracks that make up "Places" are pure pop bliss that look towards the future but are undeniably rooted in music from generations past.
Like an American version of the hirsute UK foursome "The Magic Numbers", this Washington DC group trades in gorgeous boy-girl harmonies and a lush blend of classic pop guitar sounds.
Unashamedly infectious and Monkees-like, were it not for the occasional mentions of the internet (on the wonderful "More Lights") and iPod culture ("Comfortable Headphones") you could be convinced that this is a long-forgotten album by contemporaries of the Mamas and Papas or Simon and Garfunkel.
Comprising John Davis (formerly of Q and Not U) and Laura Burhenn and mixing up evocative production, inventive songwriting and multi-part harmonies with the duo's passion for 60's and 70's pop music such as The Kinks, Richard and Linda Thompson, The Jam, Shake Some Action-era Flamin' Groovies.
John switches between drums, bass and guitars, whilst Laura takes turns at the Wurlitzer and the piano.
The record was recorded at Arlington, VA's Silver Sonya studio with TJ Lipple and Chad Clark.
The sunny melodies hit a peak on "Need Your Needs" - with its brilliant shifts of tempo and girl group handclaps - and the frothy escapism of "Cheap Champagne", but there's fabulous retro pop wonder throughout.
Sexy asides balance out the girliness while woah ohs are cheekily quick rather than dull sugar coated slowies.
Openers "Look Me Up" and the yummy "Cake Parade" are so good that they hook from the first listen.
"More Lights" shows the interplay between the two vocalists that makes the band so great; the squeaky screeching of Davies' former partner have been replaced with lustrous lullings.
"Places" is fresh, but also timeless, distinguishing Georgie James from their indie rock counterparts and setting the stage for a series of artistic triumphs.
Scenester boys and cardigan girls can look no further than Georgie James.
"Places" will make your day.
No Kill No Beep Beep
Different Damage
Power

So......I was flipping around the TV one night at about 3 in the morning and came across MTV-U when this video came on for this song "Need Your Needs" by a band called Georgie James. The song was catchy as hell, and although I rarely watch this station I happened to catch the video again several times over the next week or so. On a whim I decided to order this CD based on the one song, something I rarely do anymore. Turns out Georgie James is a duo out of the Washington DC area consisting of John Davis on guitar / vocals and Laura Burhenn on keys / vocals. The material on the album probably has more in common with 60's era pop and blues than it does today's top 40 fodder. Burhenn and James are backed by a full band of capable musicians. Upon first listen I was underwelmed by this disc, but damn if it did not grow on me each time I would give it another try. I guess you could call this alternative pop if you need a definition. The pair trade off lead vocals along with plenty of male / female harmony. Burhenn has a deep bluesy voice that is the perfect foil for James more straightforward pop stylings. Highlights include the aforementioned single, "Cake Parade", "Comfortable Headphones", "Places", and "Only Cause you're Young". Really every song here is a winner. Sadly I have read that the band has broken up since this release. "Places" will probably end up in the unknown band file over time, but if you like really well done modern pop rock this album is well worth checking out.

Real quick. This may be the best pop record of 2007. Terrific hooks, great voices and amazing song-craft. If you like indie pop, this is irresistible.