Gigolo Aunts: Pacific Ocean Blues : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

It isn't easy to be the Gigolo Aunts. Well into their second decade together, the band that named itself for a Syd Barrett song has weathered record label foibles, personnel changes and disheartening day jobs. All the while, they've watched cohorts like Letters to Cleo, Matthew Sweet, Fountains of Wayne and the Counting Crows achieve commercial success, while their own ebullient power pop records were ignored by most of America (though they've had some overseas success). It's cause for a bit of reflection on their latest release, Pacific Ocean Blues, but don't expect despair other than the kind lovelorn boys have been singing about forever. The Aunts relocated to Los Angeles to get in touch with their inner Dennis Wilson, and this album tempers their bouncing Boston pop with string arrangements ("Lay Your Weary Body Down") and poignant piano. A party rave-up ("Let Go!"), complete with horn section, even yields to a delicate ballad flavored by acoustic guitar and lap steel. The Aunts haven't lost touch with power pop's holy grail, though -- a bonus track at the end nods to Big Star with "Mod Lang"-inspired riffage.

MEREDITH OCHS
(March 4, 2003)