THE GRAPES OF WRATH play the Dakota Tavern on Saturday (March 23) as part of CMF. See listings. Rating: NNN
After 22 years, the Grapes of Wrath’s original members – Kevin Kane and brothers Tom and Chris Hooper – have recorded a follow-up to These Days that makes me wonder what took them so long.
The bright harmonies and cheery lyrics of Good To See You make it the obvious opening track, reintroducing a band that is decidedly less minor-key than in its heyday. Even the melancholy songs are more sweet than bitter. In a couple of instances the cheeriness could be tempered, if only to forgo the album’s weaker lyrics. But perhaps the titular high road that reunited the band also led to songs about picnics and Mexican vacations.
All 12 songs feature the characteristic strengths of vintage Grapes: memorable melodies, rock-solid harmonies and 60s and 70s influences turned into the band’s own sounds.
Top track: Good To See You
