Mr. Sad Clown

iTunes Review

The BoDeans were one of the ‘80s most promising bands, playing a striking, unpretentious guitar-pop that reminded listeners that sometimes the simplest ideas were the best ones. Their releases slowed in the ‘90s, but in the new century the band has managed three albums of perfect pop and American rock ‘n’ roll. Still, produced by T-Bone Burnett, reunited them with the man who produced their debut, but with 2010’s Mr. Sad Clown, the group sets off on their own. BoDean Kurt Neumann produced these tunes in his Texas studio and the sound is punchy and immediate. “Stay” and “Shine” form a power-pop one-two punch that brilliantly exhibits the group’s penchant for bright melodies, supple rhythms and nicely placed harmonies. Their heartland rock is in place as well. The introspective “If…,” the organ-guitar drive of “Say Goodbye” and “Almost Ready” prove this once Wisconsin-based American pop group can do it all with Neumann and Sam Llanas brilliantly combining to make for one of the most underrated duos in rock.