LUNA
Romantica (Jetset)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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"I'm in a jam, you're in a pickle, we're in a stew;" Dean Wareham has mastered the art of the quip. Nice touch next to the usual strumming magic we've become accustomed to. Romantica is filled with classic New York dual guitar jagged edge (Velvet Underground, Television), while offering up a new treat. The addition of bassist Britta Phillips may not seem like a significant move until her eloquent vocal pops up in the background. The result is a cheeky, French pop feel percolating above Luna's trademark despair, and frankly, making this one stunning record. Wareham had a similar, though much more dour, thing going on with Galaxy 500 way back, and fans of those records will no doubt rejoice.

© 2002 - John Sekerka