CD Review

The Kennedys
Evolver: A New Kind Of Music from the Kennedys
(Zoe/Rounder)

The Kennedys' long-awaited farewell to folk music. Their new release is the spunky, catchy pop music you always knew they could make. The sound is Nields-like, but the writing doesn't strive for that complexity of character and situation that is the Nields hallmark and their continuing link to folk - at least not for the first two thirds of the disc. "Good Morning Groovy" begins: "Good morning groovy - groovy life, groovy time - groovy shoes with a groovy shine - groovy watch, groovy chain - groovy sunshine, groovier rain" and goes on for a nearly identical second verse. "Mr. Lucky Man" goes (in its entirety): "Here comes Mr. Lucky Man - he gets in his lucky car - and drives down to the lucky bar - He's luckier than you by far, oh yeah - Mr. Lucky Man." It's got it's ironic charm, but it made me want to listen to "Richard Cory" or ELP's "Lucky Man." Otherwise, there's a lot of good old-fashioned love and pop culture icons - like laundromats.

But the album gets deeper and better as you move in. "Can't Kill Hope With a Gun," does its work dutifully as a straight-ahead anthem with a folk-like theme. Then, suddenly there's "World Away" followed by "If I Weep," which stands out with its plaintive mandolin and its nod to Emily Dickinson. "Down, Down, Down" gives some poetry to romance, and the eerie ruminations about "strangers in the sky" in the final song "Strangers" succeeds in evoking the fleeting feeling that we're not alone.

Though it may be a "new kind of music" for the Kennedys, Evolver isn't a new kind of music. The whole album pays homage to the 60s in various ways - from the groovy language and nostalgic production choices to Maura's white go-go boots and Pete's lime-green pants. Get this for the energy, the sound, the connection with these two great performers and the last four tracks. It ain't folk, but if you're a Kennedys fan, you won't care. -HB