Veronica Falls, “Beachy Head”No Pain in Pop
With summer reaching its inevitable end, the perfect beachy jam can serve as a nostalgic reminder of the warm nights and sunny days we will soon leave behind. Enter London-based pop group Veronica Falls, whose two-track 7” “Beachy Head” serves up a tribute to the idealized summer. “Beachy Head,” the first single, is a fast-paced collection of hazy guitars, layered vocals and catchy refrains. “Staying Here” is a slower tune, still expressing the energy and warmth of a low-key summer night. The album’s contrasting day/night tracks are unified by a solid summery vibe, making it a strong early effort from a pop group we will surely hear more from into autumn.
B+
STEPHANIE GIGLIO
 
Futurebirds, “Hampton’s Lullaby”Autumn Tone Records
Hailing from Athens, Ga., and blending organic American textures as a six-man band, Futurebirds released this week “Hampton’s Lullaby,” an 11-track album, on Autumn Tone Records. The band self describes its genre as “sailor songs,” and say they sound simply like “supper.” A bartender at Chelsea’s Cafe — where the band played this month and will return Aug. 26 — described the sound as “psychedelic country.” Though rough around the edges at times, “Hampton’s Lullaby” is an enjoyable collection of songs that uses lofty vocals with folk and rock sounds. The songs translate well live, and several depend on instrumental or vocal solos and moderate jams mixed with a flavor of Neil Young, Wilco and Kings of Leon.
B+
NICHOLAS PERSAC
 
Best Coast, “Crazy For You”Mexican Summer
“Crazy For You,” the debut album from California indie-pop band Best Coast, is a classically crafted summer album. Lead singer Bethany Consentino sings desperate romantic pleas over some of the sweetest fuzzy guitar riffs of the year. “Crazy For You” works because Consentino never lets the listener pity her romantic plight too much. Instead, she keeps the listener’s focus on her beautiful vocals and the album’s youthful, effervescent sound. While some of the lyrics border on cringeworthy, Consentino’s straightforward delivery often serves as a fine complement to the record’s addictive guitar-pop hooks.
B+
CHRIS ABSHIRE
 
Wavves, “King of the Beach”Fat Possum Records
“King of the Beach,” the third album by noise-pop band Wavves, is aptly titled. Most of the album’s tunes would sound right at home blaring from a seaside stereo. Leaving behind some of the trademark distortion that characterized the band’s earlier lo-fi releases, “King of the Beach” combines the pop sensibilities of The Beach Boys with a taste of the grittiness of Wavves’ previous work. But the band fails in emulating The Beach Boys’ knack for creating songs that are timeless. “King of the Beach” is both catchy and interesting, but it will probably be forgotten by next summer.
B
RYAN BUXTON
 
Katy Perry, “Teenage Dream” (Single)Captiol
Katy Perry’s newest single, “Teenage Dream,” follows her summer hit “California Gurls,” which has dominated the top of Billboard charts across the world. With no collaborator on “Teenage Dream,” Katy Perry uses her sweet vocals and electronic beats to make a fun tween song. “Teenage Dream” is sure to be a smashing hit to end the summer. Despite plenty of autotune and lyrics reminiscent of “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream” is destined to become a staple on the radio and the late-night bar scene. Both singles will appear on her new album, set to be released Aug. 24.
B
CATHERINE THRELKELD
 
“Solitary Man”Millennium Film
“Solitary Man” finds Oscar winner Michael Douglas in his best role in years as a washed-up car salesman who sees his personal and professional lives diminish rapidly before his eyes. Featuring a stellar supporting ensemble that includes astute performances from Susan Sarandon, Jenna Fischer, Danny DeVito and Mary-Louse Parker, the film is a wise and uncontrived character portrait of one man’s self-destructive midlife crisis. “Solitary Man” is a smartly written dramedy, and every character has depth, making the film genuine and palatable.
B+
MATTHEW JACOBS
 
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