The Doleful Lions’ Song Cyclops, Vol. 2 is a proudly lo-fi, intensely melodic album recorded at home in 1999 by main Lion Jonathan Scott. (Though three of the songs, “Oriental Spike,” “Wallflower,” and “The Head of the Shade Antichrist,” were actually recorded in 2006 with Scott’s brother Robert helping out.) Every song sounds AM-radio-ready, with instantly hummable melodies, sharp and insistent hooks, and Scott’s angelic vocal delivery. Even when the lyrics might be more suited for horror movies or are completely inscrutable, the tunes are perfect pop. You could randomly select anything here and, after the first listen, be ready to add the Doleful Lions to your friend space. “Saturday Mansions”? Achingly beautiful. “Ghost Town in the Sky”? Wonderful power pop. “Chinese Rockets”? Swirling cotton candy sweetness. “The Warriors End Table”? The best song GBV never recorded. Every song on this record is just great; there’s no other way to describe it. Well, maybe “all killer, no filler.” As for influences, you get a crystal-clear idea where Scott is coming from musically by the songs he covers: the Beach Boys’ “She’s Got Rhythm,” the Close Lobsters’ “From This Day On,” the Misfits’ “Astro Zombies,” the Crystals’ “There’s No Other (Like My Baby),” and in an amazingly touching stroke of genius in which Scott magically turns pop fluff into heartbreaking gold, the Descendants’ “Silly Girl.” Somehow the Doleful Lions sound like a perfect blend of all these sources. On this record, the Doleful Lions sound perfect, period. – Tim Sendra
more »