Tinted Windows

iTunes Review

One could almost hear the cheers of joy among power pop disciples when word of Tinted Windows started making the rounds. A quartet consisting of singer Taylor Hanson (Hanson), guitarist James Iha (ex-Smashing Pumpkins), bassist Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne), and drummer Ben E. Carlos (Cheap Trick), the supergroup showcases elements from each of its four members’ famed bands in a fresh, original context. On its self-titled debut, the cross-generational collective sounds as if it’s enjoying itself immensely as it explores a broad swath of melodic rock history. “Kind of a Girl” opens the album with a glorious pop perfection that recalls the best of the ’70s, while “Back With You” has an arena ballad-worthy sound evoking images of slow skate sessions at the local roller rink. Particularly fun are Hanson getting his ’90s post-grunge modern rock on with “Doncha Wanna” and hearing Schlesinger’s familiar backing vocals on upbeat numbers such as “Messing With My Head” and “Nothing to Me.”