the futility of ignoring physical at-
traction, the song is strengthened
by the fine mandolin playing of
Ron Bechamps, also the band’s
tasteful bassist.
I also really love the power pop
of “Misguiding Light,” especially
the Beach Boys-like vocal harmo-
nies and fuzz guitar of Pete Smith
layered by Chorba’s sweet or-
gan playing, which help to make
a nearly perfect song if not for
a drawn-out outro. Thankfully,
there’s a radio edit that should
land the veteran band scads of
regional play and is available on
promotional 10-inch vinyl.
“When Did Everybody Grow Up”
recalls the Canadian power-pop
band The Pursuit of Happiness’
“I’m an Adult Now” and sports
more of The Successful Failures’
winning vocal harmonies. “Baby
Home Tonight” harkens back to
the early country-rock days of The
Byrds and The Band with the kind
of lyricism of their favorite song-
writer, Bob Dylan. Two other stand
outs channel The Rolling Stones:
the fun, “Exile on Main Street”-like
Watch a video for “Sam Houston” by The Successful Failures
NJ STAGE 2017 - Vol. 4 No. 9
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