Memory Girls

SEHR GUTER ZUSTAND; CO IM STRICHCODE

THE BAND; ROBBIE ROBERTSON; DEL FUEGOS; EMMYLOU HARRIS:This long-delayed solo debut from the former Del Fuegos' guitarist (and brother of that band's singer turned solo artist, Dan) is more than worth the wait. This is an expansive display of the younger Zanes's distinctive songwriting, compelling viewpoints, and almost embarrassing wealth of pop-smart hooks and melodic riches. Though occasionally cloaked in lo-fi production conceits, Zanes's bright pop muse simply won't be denied, whether framed by the spare, folksy acoustic settings of "First on the Moon," "Did You Recognize My Love"'s jazzy cabaret, or the staccato, McCartney-meets-XTC guitar charms of "If You Could Stay." With musicians such as Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, and Morphine's Billy Conway lending deft support, Zanes isn't afraid to let his quiet, plaintive voice float across the occasional lush orchestral arrangement, or evoke a playfully off-kilter Stax-meets-exotica charm on "Hey Girl." Tracks like "Everybody Loves You" and "Main Street" almost seem to strain at their alt-pop moorings, but Zanes simply soars elsewhere on the record.

THE BAND; ROBBIE ROBERTSON; DEL FUEGOS; EMMYLOU HARRIS