review #

Better Can't Make Your Life Better
By Esther Yoon..... Staff Writer

Exuding loads of poppy charm and exuberance, the Lilys' latest effort, Better Can't Make Your Life Better, is a far stylistic cry from its earlier, My Bloody Valentine-influenced brand of minimal-space rock. This album does, however, maintain two of the Lilys' finest attributes -- the trademark psychedelia and lead singer/guitarist Kurt Heasley's beautiful melodies and falsetto voice.

Better Can't Make Your Life Better's jangly hooks and melody-driven sound are reminiscent of `60s pop-rock, like earlier Rolling Stones and the Byrds. They also sound a lot like newer, ultra-trippy pop acts like Apples in Stereo or Olivia Tremor Control with danceable tracks aplenty. Even more interesting are its modish, organ-backed tracks, most notably "Paz en el Hogar." Beyond all else, this album is an answer to mutual admirers of `60s pop-rock, space rock and experimental instrumentation.

Unfortunately, the Lilys have canceled their show tonight at the Casbah, as lead singer Kurt Heasley has pneumonia. But the band plans to return to San Diego soon. --Esther Yoon

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