I wanted to save two albums to close the latest 31 in 31. I've had both for a while, but the testament to both albums is that I'm still hearing new things as I listen to them again today. Both are so good, that followers have asked when they are going to be reviewed.
I'm sure Softjaw will have been reviewed gloriously elsewhere, but I have deliberately avoided all to form my own take on what will be up there in the Best Of 2026. Although technically their second album, the first was gathered as a sort of best of what had been around in one place.
At its heart, Love Can't Kill You is a 60s album, not throughout, but certainly half of it. A wonderful 60s affair that takes in Merseybeat and dare I say it, the early Beatles albums. I do dread saying that because I get so much sent to me that notes it as Beatles and it isn't fit to wipe their shoes. These songs do though, not copyist, they stand up in their own right.
But a couple of songs get extremely close to prime time Cheap Trick. These being You May Be Right and the magnificent Flying High. There's also 70s UK Glam Rock with You Won't See Me Cry and I Know You Do, but mirror brilliant 7 inch singles from that age.
My heart is also melted by the glorious Psych Pop of Million Different People. All 12 songs are beautifully constructed. Beautifully produced and arranged. Riffs and harmonies everywhere and where one is needed, a killer Guitar solo.
It is the vocal arrangements that are most effective, particularly on the big choruses. I could have embedded any of the songs, but have chosen three to show the variety. As well as being a possible Album Of The Year, a special round of applause should go to Dandy Boy Records, which should definitely be the label of the year.
You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on Vinyl and as a download. Europeans can buy the Vinyl here.
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