December Birthdays 
I'm not quite sure if I should take the title of The Babalooneys' debut LP, Late to The Party (they do have an EP and 2-track Single as earlier releases) as a self reflection of the band... or a prophetic, Nostradamus-like prediction about me.
I'm going with the later. My exposure to new releases is not what it used to be. Aside from just all around busy and whatnot, I continue to be less and less connected online via social media, streaming shows and the whole lot. No complaints, just is what it is. Some of you magazine, podcast and radio show folks have been on it, and apparently Surfer Joe Festival too (great these guys got to make the trip and play!)
Anyhow, I am really moved by the release. As suggested by the album cover and what looks to be some sweet vintage gear, these guys really scratch the trad-vibe itch in a great way.
In a nudge to my pals/band mates to check 'em out, I went so far as to say 'If you told me the first 2 cuts on the album (among a few others) were The Fathoms rumored/storied to be working on for an upcoming release, I'd have 1) totally believed you and 2) been StOkEd!! about it.' To me, many of these songs are that good - strong melodies, great playing and just really groove.
Also, appreciating that saxaphone in surf ain't everyone's cup of tea, I love me some well done sax in surf, and these guys (like The Fathoms) really ace it as a modern band. Not too much, not too little, and absolutely NOT Duane Eddy / Benny Hill yakety-sax (Sorry Duane, R.I.P.).
Another potential third rail... vocals in surf. These guys go there too. For me, they also ace it with a swell cover of King of the Surf. Boy can Sang and sounds GREAT on this lone vocal tune off the album.
If you're like me, feeling the album title is about you, not them, well, I can't urge you strongly enough to get to the party. I think it's gonna be Hoppin', Boppin', and RaWkIn'. You don't wanna miss it!
Listen at Bandcamp, YoutubeMusic or where ever you explore new-to-you music.
Fady
El Mirage @ ReverbNation
