sparkle*jets u.k.

Box Of Letters

Big Stir Records

This is their first album since last year's covers album, Best Of Friends, and features their first set of originals since 2002. It's chock full of goodies that ape the late 70s, such as the title song, the Zombies cover “This Will Be Our Year,” and “I’m Away From My Desk.” The Moby Grape cover, “Hey Grandma," improves on the original with better sound and a great update.

Then there is the disco break on “Princess Needy,” the disquiet of “Little Circles,” and the overall sunshine vibe of this LA band. It adds up to an album that's as good as Best Of Friends and celebrates LA just as much.

While at times they remind me of the well known Philly band SheerMag, in the main they are originals. They not only like the late 70s, they make it sound a lot better than it did at the time, and as someone who remembers that time, I find it great.

So if you remember that time too and want to relive it without any yacht rock vibes, this is for you. Or if you just want some good music, this will fit the bill too. It’s a wonderful album.

Andrea Weiss