Tim Brough's Black Leather Bookshelf

Juicy Bittersweet
4 Out of 5 Stars

Now reunited for the new century and feeling like they are back to basics, Power Pop Maestros The Posies reconnect with "Blood Candy." Awash with glistening guitars, British Invasion harmonies and some exhilarating experiemnts, this album was a surprise to me after hearing of it from a friend. Had I grabbed it earlier, it could have easily made my favorites for 2010.

Main men Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow have constructed an album that combines the harmonies of The Hollies with guest appearances from Hugh Cornwell of The Stranglers. There are touches of REM mingled with John Lennon imitative vocals. You get the feeling that "Blood Candy" is something of a tribute to Alex Chilton, whom Auer and Stringfellow worked with often as Big Star sidemen. The haunted story that jangles amid "She's Coming Down Again" and the quirky "Accidental Architecture" would have fit in on a Big Star (or even a Cheap Trick) album, while "For The Ashes" and "Holiday Hours" are lovely in the same vein.

"Blood Candy" is likely none of the things I supposed of its creators, but as an addition to their already stellar catalog, it stands well. The Posies are still making stellar music long after their expiry date - and for those of us who find it, it's a treat.