The new album is chock full of memorable hooks, sunny harmonies and multi-layered guitars, just like how the band sounded back in their heyday. It’s almost uncanny how lead singer Tony Lewis can hit those high notes as he did way back when. It’s also great to see drummer Alan Jackman back in the fold. Jackman has been sorely missed over the years and so his presence and his style of playing has obviously re-energized the band. As a matter of fact, the new material has a focus and drive that hasn’t been heard from the band since 1987′s “Bangin’” album. This might also be related to the fact that main songwriter/guitarist John Spinks has been battling some health issues these last few years which may have given him all the more reason to put together some “A game” material this time out.

highlights include:
“A Long, Long Time Ago” – a rockin’ track that sounds like something straight off the ’87 “Bangin’” album. Probably my favorite song on the album.

“New York City” – the song features a nice loop-like groove and a neat repetitive drum fill that may seem out of place at first but becomes one of the hooks in the song after a few listens. the lyrics in the chorus are a bit weak but I’ll let it slide since the band was never known for clever or deep lyrics.

“Disraeli Years” – is a big nod to ’60′s blues/rock trio Cream. the songs features fun lil’ lyrical references to the iconic band as well as a tasty guitar solo “a la Clapton”. And just in case you miss any of those references, Jackman adds the unmistakable drum fill from “White Room” at the end of the song. fun stuff.

“Shake Your Thing” – Lewis’ vocals are an integral part of the Outfield sound. In the past his high tenor overshadowed his bass playing. But with the new album and on tracks like “Shake Your Thing”, Lewis has come a long way in terms of memorable bass lines.

With all three original members in place, the band seems revitalized. And RePlay, with its upbeat and oh-so melodic tunes, is a perfect addition to this summer’s soundtrack. It’s too bad the band won’t be out on tour this summer to support the new release. Spinks is still dealing with health issues so live gigs are unfortunately out of the question.

Anyway, purchase the album, turn up the volume and have a rockin’ retro summer!

retroGrade: A

RePlay by The Outfield
release date: June 28, 2011

Tracklist:
Aladdin’s Cave
California Sun
A Long, Long Time Ago
In Your Company
Who Would You Be?
Shake Your Thing
New York City
Call It Out
Process
Wonderland
Disraeli Years
Sandman

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2. The Bangles – Sweetheart of the Sun (2011) – review
3. Todd Rundgren – reProduction (2011) – CD review

Sony/Columbia is the first out of the gate with a new greatest hits compilation titled Playlist: The Very Best of The Outfield. It features the usual suspects (Your Love, Since You’ve Been Gone, For You, My Paradise) but the main attraction is a brand new track by the reunited trio titled “California Sun”. It doesn’t look like the new track will be available as an mp3 download at the moment so the new CD might be the only way to get the new tune. Well, it’s not a huge problem since the CD is currently on sale for only $6.39 at CDUniverse.

And that’s not all. According to management, a brand new album is scheduled to be released sometime in the spring along with a full blown tour to support it. The album will be titled “Aladdin’s Cave“. I’m definitely looking forward to hearing the new material.

For the latest info, be sure to check out their official website.

Related posts:

1. Kate Bush – 50 Words for Snow – to be released Nov 2011
2. RePlay by the Outfield 2011 CD review
3. The Outfield's lame website redesign

purchase music by The Outfield on CDUniverse.

Related posts:

1. The Outfield – California Sun – Playlist Best of CD – 2011