Romantica benefited lyrically from Dean’s relative dark period, Rendezvous, while musically achieved, seems lyrically lacking in comparison. Rendezvous is distinctly different from prior Luna releases, seeming to bask more in the afterglow than in seduction.
In the interest of full disclosure, Dean Wareham is one of my heroes. As I have recounted in the past, he could huff helium and yodel show tunes and I would buy the result and probably embrace more than half of it. He’s never really been off and even in what is arguably their least album, Days of Our Nights, they are on game at over 65%.. and that’s hard to beat for a band with such longevity. Hell, a hero is not easy to have, as a wise man once said, to paraphrase ,“the most exhilarating parts of admiring someone for their artistic accomplishments is that they never live up to your expectations” (though he also expounded to include resentment.. I can never resent Luna, because they somehow manage to deliver at a level while less than I want, more than I get from others I admire similarly)
The opener, Malibu Lovenest, has been a crowd favorite at recent live performances. It is a bit sunshiny for a Luna song, sort of lacking in the wryness one expects from Dean. Lyrically it is lazy “In the bathroom on the plane, on the bus and on the train, I’ll write your name/In Malibu” Musically, however, it is a great opener, the band gels together in a similar fashion to Lovedust and it is one of the most accessible songs on the release (making for a logical single).
Cindy Tastes of BBQ shows off Luna’s musical maturation and is one of the more obvious examples of Eden and Wareham’s shimmery strumming that is their trademark. Very childlike lyrics, almost impetuous ” your purple mouth tastes of snicker snack, I’m turning round I’m turning back” Cindy also contains one of the few “Deanisms” of the cd “North of North Dakota east of Easter egg” I look forward to seeing the band rock out ala Black Postcards while performing this number live.
In my opinion, Speedbumps is the “California (all the way)” of Rendezvous. Since hearing it live on New Years, I have been singing it’s chorus…” On the way to Kansas City, tell me who I’m supposed to be” Though, concerning are the lyrics “I don’t want to ride your bus, I am tired of all of us” (for those calling this a swan song) (Postscript, I found this particularly striking post-news) The lyrics and melody of this song are very similar to Dean’s contribution to the 6ths Wasp Nest, the stellar, Falling Out of Love With You. Speedbumps may be that classic moment when all the components of Luna steep together in wonderfulness and the outcome is one tasty sangria. Oddly enough, its quick pace suggests… well, bumps of speed; anticipatory, slightly agitated, seeking resolution. mostly thanks to Lee Wall’s most excellent drumming.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
excellent, heartfelt review from a real fan - thanks Jen and glad to have you back! Re Luna: it's sad but all goes on.
2 - Jen
Thanks Eric, good to be back in the fold, though sad my return post had to be such a personal heartbreaker...
3 - Eric Olsen
there is always the joy of reunion!
4 - jay
been wondering when rendezvous was gonna be released... new luna cd days are like xmas for me. didn't know about the breakup plans until reading this, and i really am ill now. awful news.
nonetheless, they better schedule a show in new orleans during the send-off tour. and i can't wait for 10/26.
cheers.
5 - LIRC
They are trying to get all the touring in during 6mths, which seems hard to do, including the requiste abroad dates... Though, they hit some seemingly random locals in FLA for Romantica, Nawlins does not seem unlikely. Even though I've had Rendezvous for a while, I will be lining up at midnight to pick up my copies (ya know, one sealed for collection sake)