Note: This is the third album from the Victoria, British Columbia band that includes Kathryn Calder (member of The New Pornographers and niece of The New Pornographers’ mastermind Carl Newman) on keyboards/vocals.
Sound: Snappy, catchy indie pop with alternating male and female lead vocals and multi-part harmonies. Some songs have a ‘60s folky and/or hippie rock flavor, while others have ragged, raw punk elements. Either way, the music sounds simultaneously vintage and modern.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Don’t Build the Bridge” (Top 20 Songs of 2009 Candidate); “Sound the Alarms”
Medium Rotation tracks: “And It Was”; “Neighbors Won’t Mind”; “You Got Us Into This Mess”
Recommended: For the first time, Immaculate Collection have recorded some songs that are actually in the same league as The New Pornographers’ music (i.e. the tunes are infectious and intricate enough to match the lofty standard of this decade’s premiere indie pop collective). Though they don’t quite maintain that level of excellence throughout, High on Jackson Hill is a respectable and fun listen.
Grade: B+

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