From the opening piano line of the pokey “I Will Light You On Fire,” Golden Shoulders reveal their home-cooked goodness. The recording is not studio-shine pristine and there is a vague background hiss, but the song is a charmer. Harmonized vocal parts form a web of “oohs” and “aahs,” while the repeated refrain “I will light you on fire” emerges from the beautiful chaos. It’s really a gorgeous moment that sets the stage for the rest of the album. Golden Shoulders is Adam Kline and whoever happens to be around at the moment whether that be Todd Roper, former Cake and Deathray drummer, or fellow Nevada City, Californian Joanna Newsome. As such, the instrumentation from track to track (and show to show) varies, but Kline’s songs all carry a down-home, disheveled rock ’n’ roll Northern California feeling. Kline may not have the most stunning voice or lyrics, but he makes up for it with tastefully implemented vocal tracks and a sharp wit. With a knack for writing a great pop hook, there are some terrific songs on this album. “I Get Over” is a slow stunner, mostly due to the spectacular vocal help from Charla Ausman. Originally released in 2004, this version of Friendship Is Deep is a welcome re-release and contains two bonus tracks, the excellent “Let My Burden Be” and “Patience Darling, Patience.”
– Nate Daly
Golden Shoulders: www.goldenshoulders.com
