Catacombs – Cass McCombs

[Domino: 2009]
‘Dreams-come-true-girl’ Cass McCombs’ lovely, lilting surf-pop ode to one helluva lucky lady is one of the sweetest songs I’ve heard this year. Cass quietly sings “You aren’t my dream girl. You aren’t my reality girl. You’re my dream-come-true girl.” Sigh. It’s one of those songs that you really wish was written about you. California-bred troubadour, Mr McCombs, has actually been around for a while – he released his first record in 2002 (Not The Way) - and has an impressive list of self-confessed fans, including Spoon’s Britt Daniel, Okkervil River’s Will Sheff, and psych-folk duo Beach House.
Catacombs is Album of The Week’s first taste of Cass McCombs and we are already somewhat smitten with his combination of off-kilter folk, laidback alt-country, and 1950s crooner pop. Album highlights include ‘Prima Donna’ - with off-beat Bob Dylan guitar strumming, ‘Executioner’s Song’ – a quiet and contemplative ballad, and of course – ‘Dreams-come-true-girl’. This record is a welcome change of pace and well worth a listen.


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