The Gilligans as a recording project allows Bill Retoff of The Porcupines, Dan McKenzie, Ed Pierce, and Todd Borsch of The Ringles to take time out to indulge in some homage to British Invasion sounds and the likes from way back when. The vibe here is guitar pop in a 60's retro style, all uncomplicated, straightforward toe tapping fun. There are some nods to more modern powerpop sounds here and there, but only when it suits the band. Psychedelia also gets an outing on a couple of cuts too. 'Wanna Wear Your Sunshine' kicks things off at a brisk pace, with crunchy guitar rythmns. 'She's A Boomerang' backs the pace off immediately after wards and is pure pop with a constant guitar riff running through the whole song. 'I'll Take Tonight' is straight ahead pop, with a retro fuzztone guitar riff for good measure. Further along the line, 'Fireflies In A Jar' pushes the envelope and the band head off into early psych sounds with lots of buzzing guitar and some great harmonies. 'That Boy' brings things right down to gentle acoustic guitars and string accompaniment. The albums's final track, 'This All Starts With You' cuts loose from pure pop and heads off down psychedelia's rich highway with cool backwards guitar and panning sound effects bringing this set to a close.
My Name Is Willy, is ten songs that hark back to a different time, the playing and singing are all well executed and the musical styles explored are broad enough to provide ample variation to the listener. Fans of music from an earlier, less complicated musical era will find a lot to like in this album, it's simplicity and openness makes it very accessible.
Reviewed by Kevin Wallbank 08/25/09
Wanna Wear Your Sunshine She's A Boomerang I'll Take Tonight I Want To Be Your Loving Man In A Flash Fireflies In A Jar Feels Alright To Me That Boy Look This All Starts With You
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