Postcard From London – California – ft. Les Fradkin (reviewed by Dave Franklin)

Having already recently tantalized us with all manner of original songs and reimaginations of classic numbers, California now gives us an album of no less than 22 tracks in the guise of Postcard From London. And whilst a similar balance of the new and the familiar runs through this release, the deft selection of covers and the influences that run through Les Fradkin‘s own numbers, mean that there is an absolute consistency of sound found throughout. Everything seems to jangle and groove with a 60s-inspired, psychedelic pop sound, whether it calls that decade home or has been inspired by those times.

“Jangleholic” pretty much sets the stage, an autobiographical dedication to that jangling guitar sound that took root with the likes of The Byrds, and which, although it underwent several revivals, arguably never really returned to its golden age.

The cover’s a delivered in fine style, “Good Vibrations” is suitably trippy, “Brown Eyed Girl” could be arrested for grooving with undue care and attention, and “Mighty Quinn”, essentially a cover of a cover, is poppy and powerful.

But the originals are equally as fun too. “Come To Me” has a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons vibe, “Island” shimmers with a Latin rock vibe, and “Perfect World” sounds like a long-lost Summer of Love anthem.

A lot is going on here, but if you like upbeat, groove-driven, jangling, and powerful pop, then Postcard From London, as the kids today might say, is a no-brainer.