CMJ Review of The 3 Way

CMJ New Music
From the pages of the CMJ New Music Report, Issue: 614 - Apr 19, 1999
Lilys The 3 Way SIRE

A cynic would say that almost all new music is derivative -- sometimes blatantly so -- of the past. But even with that in mind, the question remains as to why that's a bad thing. The Lilys' Kurt Heasley doesn't have a single defense against the charge that he's cribbing from the classics. The 3 Way is an amalgamation of the most famous characteristics of the '60s British Invasion -- simple Kinks guitar lines, Beach Boys harmonies, Zombies organ riffs, and at least one coda that calls for a royalty check to Lennon and McCartney. This inspired copping is far from exasperating, however. Chalk it up to the quality of the era's innovators, or perhaps to Heasley's ardent enthusiasm for them, but The 3 Way is anything but hollow mimicry. In fact, it is an instant classic that attests to Heasley's rare songwriting talent as much as it does to the longevity of the style. The 3 Way is one of the finest mop-topped '60s rock albums in recent memory. It deserves a coveted spot in every cynic's record collection.
Cheryl Botchick

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