Renée - Reaching for the Sky (1980)

A true “balearic” full length album from cover to cover, Reaching For The Sky is the second and arguably greatest album from the short lived Dutch pop rock group Renée. Led by vocalist Anja Nodelijk and powered by members of the 60s rock n’ roll band René And His Alligators, the 10 tracks that make up the record range from sparse and sophisticated pop to full on chugging disco rock. The highlight comes second track into the A-side with the could-have-been pop hit “Lay Me Down.” Its isolated 4×4 drum pattern intro sets up an all too familiar and infectious bass-line with Anja’s unique vocal talents on full display. A close second favorite is the B-side’s third and biggest moment “Change Your Style,” a tune straight out of a DJ Harvey all night set with its chugging guitars, subtle solos drenched in reverb, and driving disco drums.~ Jonny Mon