SUPER 8

HOOPLA

The Beautiful Music

On this very Beatles-like album Paul “Trip” Ryan, who is SUPER 8, has done a very good job updating them with his own style and sound. Everyone knows the Beatles are constantly being updated, sometimes well and sometimes not, but this stands out.

The Beatles were never this quirky – and they did have their quirks – but these quirks aren’t off-putting, just friendly, fun, and happy. While every song here has something to recommend it, tracks like “Out Of My Head,” “Not Like the Rest,” and “Our Town” make the album shine. "The Hangman’s Daughter” shifts the focus a bit to late 60s Byrds, and ends the album on a high note.

If you love the Beatles, you’ll love this. If you like psychedelic pop, you’ll like this. If you want something different, try this. Your ears will get rewarded, as will your head and heart.

Andrea Weiss