The Kennedys - Evolver (2000)

The Kennedys have never been easy to predict -- they've rocked and rolled with Life is Large, and veered into more serene folk-rock with 1998's Angel Fire. And with a tireless tour schedule supporting each release, they've developed a solid fanbase that eagerly awaits each new turn the band takes on their musical journey. Now comes Evolver (a pun on the Beatles' Revolver), which seamlessly blends the group's retro '60s leanings with a clean and modern pop sound. Most of the songs on this album were recorded on the road, in unexpected places like the Hacienda Motel in Roswell, New Mexico, and the Shoneys Inn in Nashville, Tennessee. Along the way, they picked up guest appearances from friends such as Vicky Peterson, Susan Cowsill, Steuart Smith (of Shawn Colvin's band) and Bill Lloyd. The result is 14 shimmering new tracks which showcase not just Maura Kennedy's sweetly soaring voice and Pete Kennedy's incredible guitar talents, but also the band's evolution into a pop force to be reckoned with!

Rave-ready drum loops, percolating synthesizers, 12-string Rickenbackers, vocal overlays, and funky bass lines--Evolver isn't your grandpa's folk music. In truth, the Kennedys aren't playing folk at all. Taken on their own unapologetically bubble-gum terms, however, Maura and Pete's pop can be charming in a hum-and-forget manner. Opener "Pick You Up" sounds like the Bangles. "Good Morning Groovy" is postmodern go-go featuring some hot Dobro from David Hamburger. "Mr. Lucky Man" is an ecstatic freak-out, while "Here Without You" is a credibly dreamy Bryds cover, and the catchy "Can't Kill Hope with a Gun" could be covered by Britney Spears. Don't expect the Kennedys to offer songs to live by, unless a line like "Catch a star and slide down a rainbow" is your idea of desideratum. Even if its title alludes to one of the Fab Four's most ambitious records, Evolver satisfactorily serves up danceable, candied pop music. --Roy Kasten