When I’m asked about my music preferences, I’ve learned that “underground pop” tends to bewilder most folks. It’s far easier for people to grasp when I mention genres like punk or indie rock. In all honesty, their perception wil likely be skewed still, but they have an idea. Going forward, I’ll probably just send a link of the new Smashing Times record when I have to explain what underground pop is. “Listen to this first, and if you have any question, know where to find me.” Said record, called This Sporting Life, embodies everything I love about underground pop. I don’t believe Artifical Intelligence will ever produce something this creative, authentic and beautifully imperfect.
The Smashing Times have been swimming against the stream for over 5 years now with their timeless yet out-of-time pop compositions. If I had to describe the feeling of my first spin of the record, it is akin to stumbling upon a decades-old out-of-print record classic in the bargain bin of your local record store. I am blown away about how accomplished, how ambitious, and how accessible The Smashing Times sound on their new record. On their past releases, the band did not always make it easy to fall for them. They stretched the boundaries of genre expectations, opted for experimentation, infused far away influences. The reward often came in widened taste and the occasional gem of a pop song.
With This Sporting Life, The Smashing Times have created a pop masterpiece, giving their loyal fanbase the pop hits they crave. For the very first time, these pop hits have become the rule rather than the exception. This shift might even open the door to a broader audience, who knows? Just imagine if more people could appreciate the true essence of exceptional pop music. Let’s start by buying this LP and help spread the word.
This Sporting Life is out now on K and Perennial Records.
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