[4/5]
You might imagine Georgie James as a stylish blonde in a shag cut and bell-bottoms for all the debt the D.C.-area duo owe the '70s. Their bright pop style is more New Pornographers than Rilo Kiley; though, like both groups, they rely on sunny harmonies and soaring piano/organ-fueled melodies. Laura Burhenn captivates with piano pop ("Long Week") and new wave gloss ("Cheap Champagne"), while her light, breathy vocals are a pleasant harmonic counterpart to former Q And Not U multi-instrumentalist John Davis' reedy tenor. The lustrous, full-bodied arrangements never seem busy but sometimes veer close to the adult contemporary style of their influences (the discofied "Need Your Needs"). Places' cheery vibe is highlighted by a pair of catchy mid-album tracks, the jangling "Henry And Hanzy" and the bouncy power pop of "Comfortable Headphones." (SADDLE CREEK) Chris Parker
 Official Website: http://www.saddle-creek.com
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