Nude Beach - 77 2xLP

Don Giovanni (2014)

I was truly blown away by II, the second album released by Nude Beach.  It put the band on my radar and in my frequently spun pile of records.  When it was announced that their new album would be a double LP, I just thought 'great, even more new songs.'  I still feel that way a bit, but after spending time with this record, I wonder if a double LP was really the way to go.

There's no better way to say this, 77 just feels too long.  It's not even ridiculously long, it's only an hour and nine minutes, but for some reason the album can feel like it's dragging about 45 minutes in or so.  It's possible I don't have the attention span I used to and it's probable that I've always favored records that come in at around thirty to forty minutes and leave you wanting more.  What's somewhat frustrating is that aside from the length, this is a pretty incredible album.

Nude Beach are the closest thing to Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers that we have in 2014. Well, aside from the actual Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers, but Nude Beach is putting out way better records than they are these days.  The songs on this album are perfectly crafted and have a wonderful storyteller vibe that never drifts off into pretentiousness.  Hooks are crammed in each song and the album has a warm, comfortable feel to it; like you're sitting down with an old friend.

My only criticism is the length, and that's likely one hundred percent a personal preference that I have.  I think that Nude Beach could have easily release two separate amazing records and the songs would have had more impact.  That being said, this record is so good, I really shouldn't complain all that much about thinking there are too many good songs on it.  Hopefully this review doesn't sound too negative because this is absolutely a record that should be picked up.

Nude Beach - "I Can't Keep The Tears From Falling":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4QrgfEJO_c

Nude Beach - "For You":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUBGX5U7feA

Nude Beach - What Can You Do 7"

Nude Beach - What Can You Do 7", a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Other Music (2013)

2 new songs by Nude Beach following up their 2012 full length. II was one of my favorite records from last year and this 7" is another example of why I like this band so much. Nude Beach follows in the footsteps of classic rock bands like Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, but manage to add in enough of their own contemporary indie/punk references to not sound sound like some cheesy cover band your dad would go see.

The A Side builds off of a choppy start/stop guitar riff and layers on noodling lead guitar with strong vocals way up front in the mix. The verse builds into an anthem of a chorus which segues into the obligatory zippy guitar solo during the instrumental break down. A standard song formula, but when it's pulled off flawlessly, there's nothing better. B Side, "I'm Giving Up" takes down the energy a bit but still retains the hooks that makes Nude Beach great.

This is a worthy 7" to pick up if you're looking to give the band a chance, but I still recommend their 2nd album II if you're ready to jump in with both feet.

Nude Beach - What Can You Do:
soundcloud.com/other-music-recording-co/nude-beach-what-c...

Nude Beach - II LP

Nude Beach - II LP, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Nude Beach Records (2012)

Yeah, this is the first pressing that the band released themselves, not the new reissued version on Other Music/Fat Possum, so that's nice. I've been sitting on this record for a little bit, not exactly sure what I wanted to say about it. I could throw out some of my favorite adjectives like poppy and catchy, but if you really want to boil down the essence of this band, all you really need to know is they sound just like early era Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. That's a compliment, because this record is outstanding.

It's one of those records that just feels warm and comfortable, like an old friend. I don't have the bands first record, I remember checking out a stream of it somewhere and not being too impressed, I should probably revisit. But with II, this is a band I will be looking out for going forward. It is simply a great record.

Nude Beach - II:
nudebeach.bandcamp.com/