The 9th album from the Danish reverb rockers is comprised of covers. They are covering some of their most obvious influences but doing it in a way that still retains the Twin Peaks-like ambiance that has colored their body of work. The first song sounds like it's from the '50s and I am not familiar with the Paris Sisters outside of the fact they worked with Phil Spector and this song does stay true to that sound. Things get more interesting when they tackle the Cramps classic "Goo Goo Muck", tone down the punk sensibility the band was known for, and take things in a trippier direction that finds a balance of being true to the original while making sense on an album that leans heavily towards the '50s and '60s in terms of feel.
8 albums into their career they have solidified their following by this juncture of their career, but you can hear how this album might appeal to fans of Lana Del Ray. Duane Eddy's "The Girl on Death Row" is more sentimental and holds the feel of teenage romanticism. three songs in and it's worth saying there are some incredible guitar tones captured on this album. "All I Have to Do is Dream" is one of the Everly Brother's calling cards so to take on such a classic is a big step that they only meet head-on in the sense they have the vocal melodies down, and it's clear what song this is, but there is a dreamier haze cast over it. The Shirelles is another band that makes a great deal of sense for them to cover, though they continue to take it down a surreal pill-induced drifting. It does not have the pop drive of the original and feels like it's being played by drug addicts who could nod off at any moment.
Speaking of drug addicts "Venus in Furs" is another iconic staple, and if you are going to cover the Velvet Underground it might make sense to attempt it but the expectations are going to be higher. They capture the hypnotic feel but set it against a 90s alt-like programmed drum beat. Buddy Holly's "Wishing" gives the band more room to play since it's not as well-known of a song unless you are a Buddy Holly fan. I think they work well with what they were given here. They also have some breathing room with Gram Parson's "The Return of the Grievous Angel". Another song where I am not that familiar with the original, so there is no expectation set so it works well enough for me. You do get to hear some of the guitar lines jammed out a bit which works for them.
'Shakin All Over" has more of a garage rock feel, though sound they are dialed into retro-perfect in a manner not unlike what the last Twin Temple album sounds like. It's another song where the great guitar tone and playing wins you over. "The Leader of the Pack" is another classic that defines an era of music. They are going up against Twisted Sister's version of the song, which Dee Snider really nailed back on 'Come Out and Play" but if you do not have this point of reference to weigh it against, this one stands alone. I will give this album a 9.5, most of these songs they made their own. If you are a fan it just makes sense. This was just released on Cleopatra Records
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