The High Llamas
Cold and Bouncy
[Alpaca Park/V2]
Rating: 7.8
If you've ever wondered what would happen if the boys from XTC got together with the people who wrote the theme music for "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," took some magic mushrooms, smoked a bong and sat around a synthesizer and wrote songs, Cold And Bouncy would likely approximate this unlikely event.
My thoughts upon first listen:
"Weird, but not unpleasant."
My thoughts upon second listen:
"Weird, pleasant, lots of silly instrumental moments."
My thoughts on fifth listen:
"Not many lyrics on it, but it's so smooth and mellow, I think I like it."
My thoughts on tenth listen:
"Okay, I have to write a review of this, so what the hell am I going to say?"
My thoughts on 15th listen:
"This is definitely weird, but in such a secure, homey, happy way that I can't help but like it, so I'd better write the review before Ryan banishes me."
My thoughts on 20th listen:
"Need to start looking for their previous albums. I like the goofy xylophones that are always tinkling. Minimalistic. I love falling asleep to it. It makes me happy... So happy."
My thoughts right now (37th listen):
"It's more than 60 minutes of quirky mello-pop with clear (but good) '70s influences. It's in no hurry, it meanders, it procrastinates, it bobs. Moments remind me of the "Sesame Street" theme. It's so easy, there's no better way to put it, just easy. Goofy electronic blorps intermingling with beautiful string arrangements. Some of the tracks sound like themes to love scenes in TV movies. Gazing into Richard Chamberlain's eyes, he's such a beautiful, beautiful man..."
-James P. Wisdom