There's a certain segment of rock criticism that allocates genius based solely on the gravity or portent of music. That kind of thinking overlooks a critical element: fun. "Alpacas Orgling," a tribute to the music of Electric Light Orchestra's Jeff Lynne, is perhaps the most effervescent, bubbly mix of grand, sweeping choruses and melodies since ELO's "A New World Record.
" The brainchild of singer and songwriter Bleu, and featuring contributions from Andy Sturmer of Jellyfish and Mike Viola of the Candy Butchers, the songs reflect, indirectly, Lynne's Beatlesque inclinations. Thus "Goodbye Innocence" borrows from "Across the Universe" as well as "Strange Magic." "Ya Had Me Goin," the album's brightest, most upbeat track -- and that's saying a lot in this collection -- weds Bleu's John Lennon-inspired vocal with ELO's "Evil Woman.
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