Rooney

(Geffen)
by Tim Den

The facts would’ve written this review by themselves – actor frontman, relatives of famous people (Talia Shire of Rocky, Jason Schwartzman of Rushmore/Phantom Planet), tours with The Strokes, Weezer, The Vines, The Donnas, and OK Go – had it not been for opener “Blueside.” While the rest of the record shows the band members’ youth and blind worship of Weezer b-sides, “Blueside” is a classic-in-the-making, major-to-minor transitions are traffic-stoppingly brilliant.

Recalling the effortless glide of The Greys, “Blueside” goes from a Badfinger-esque shuffle into a panoramic Californian chorus so gracefully, that you almost think you’ve heard this song on the oldies station before. With Brian Wilson harmonies and a hook that reeks of timelessness, I’ve seen people literally drop their mouths open when this song comes on. No bullshit, it’s that great. Some say the best songs sound like they’ve always existed, and “Blueside” is one of these. Now if only Rooney can write an entire album of ’em…
(www.rooney-band.com)