CD Review: L.E.O. - Alpacas Orgling

Channeling the spirit and production prowess of E.L.O.'s Jeff Lynne, Boston power popster Bleu. has gathered quite a crew of collaborators for L.E.O., a Travelling Wilbury's-esque supergroup including vocalist Andy Sturmer (Jellyfish), singer-guitarist Mike Viola (The Candy Butchers, That Thing You Do), producer John Fields, Tony Goddess (Papas Fritas), Matt Mahaffey (Self), vocalist/bassist Jason Scheff (Chicago), Paula Kelley, drummer Steve Gorman (Black Crowes), and the Hanson brothers (yes, that Hanson).

Starting out as an experiment in production, Alpacas Orgling was recorded utilizing all that technology has to offer, including brainstorming sessions sent via iChat between Bleu and his collaborators, much like how the first album from The Postal Service was recorded. Alpacas kicks off with a classic electronic overture of strings and melds nicely into "Goodbye Innocence", with its sweeping melodies and elegant vocals loaded with effects, which has musical qualities of The Beatles, Chicago, and of course Electric Light Orchestra. After the first few tracks the tone of the album is set up quite nicely, Alpacas Orgling is not a cover album by any means, it's more of an homage project utilizing the tools and techniques established by its predecessors. From the flowy, gentle sweetness of "Distracted" with its nods to Lennon and Magical Mystery Tour to the effect heavy "Private Line", Alpacas has hooks at every turn, classic melodies and harmonies that will entreat the intelligent power pop fan. And, there is secret track at 40:36 into the last song, which is interesting and a silly little cover of ELO's "Don't Bring Me Down", where the some of the vocals are Barry Gibb-ified and highly synthesized. Overall, a pretty great effort from a group of power pop heavyweights, definitely worth a listen.

Alpacas Orgling is available now on Cheap Lullaby Records.
You can stream the entire album on Not Lame's L.E.O. Exclusive Page