The No Ones actually are Very Important Persons. We’re talking about Peter Buck (R.E.M., The Minus 5, Filthy Friends), Arne Kjelsrud Mathisen (I Was A King, Rural Tapes, Heroes & Zeros), Scott McCaughey (The Young Fresh Fellows, The Minus 5, The Baseball Project) and Frode Strømstad (I Was A King, Rider), a collective for whom continents, ages and genres have no boundaries. Despite logistical challenges – different time zones, commitments to other projects and a pandemic – there is now a follow-up to The Great Lost No Ones Album (2020). The twelve original songs on new full-length My Best Evil Friend form an appealing tribute to the LP collections and memories – sources of inspiration – of the musicians. The amazing opening track KLIV, referring to the US radio station (1590 AM), immediately sets the tone: “One last kiss and the Peppermint Twist // The Monster Mash and Dead Man’s Curve and Shangri-Las crying crash // 45s with Capitol swirl, Swan , and Tollie and VeeJay // Don’t drop out — no way, I’m here to stay // Again and again, and it never ends, from now to then // Always my best evil friend.” The record is a very interesting who’s who in terms of name drops and guest artists, appropriately captured in versatile power pop that drips with craftsmanship.
My Best Evil Friend is out now digitally, on CD and vinyl LP through Yep Roc Records.
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