Family of the Year – Songbook

Unexpectedly discovering new music is a very good thing, and I definitely don’t do it enough…shows are too expensive when you’re unemployed, I no longer have obscure, student-run radio to listen to, and friends have been slacking in the suggestion department. Of course there’s the internet but I hate sifting through the crap. Occasionally I’ll do it though, and even more occasionally, I’ll find something I’m stoked on.

Family of the Year was a surprise. The blog I found them on used the words “collective” and “70’s-style” to describe them, which made me a little hesitant. The first thing that came to mind was hippies on a commune playing acid-rock, which just isn’t my cup o’ tea.  I must have been feeling adventurous though, because I gave them a shot, and I’m so glad I did.

Comprised of 2 brother, plus 4 friends, that come from all over America and now live together in a big house in LA, Family of the Year is everything I like. Folky girl/boy harmonies with lyrics that feel like they belong in the soundtrack of my life, enough pop to keep me happy, but not so much it gets cheesy, and even some unexpected indie-dance beats. I would be hard-pressed to classify them in one genre, and each of the 15 tracks on their newly released album Songbook can stand on its own.

Songbook is available for a “name your own price” download on the band’s website. I admit I paid nothing at first, but have since gone back and made my contribution to their success…and am tempted to buy the $5 postcard they’ll send me from the road on their next tour. Not only is the music good, the album makes me like the people in the band. I want to go hang-out with them in their practice-space/club-house or around a campfire on the beach. I guess I’ll have to settle for my iPod and postcard on the fridge.

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