By Henry Lipput
"Let me take you down," sings Kim Wonderley on the new album from San Francisco's The Flywheels. And with the psychedelic backing and the tracks that have come before (she's already sung "I'll say goodbye, you'll say hello, hello, hello" on the opening track), you wouldn’t be surprised if she invites you down to Strawberry Fields.
But you'd be wrong. As this wonderful song continues, you find that she's actually inviting you down to the sea. And, in a terrific segue, you find you're not in Liverpool anymore, Toto, but Southern California with Beach Boys harmonies. "Let Me Take You Down (To The Sea)" is one of the many delights of I'm For The Flowers.
Singer and guitarist Wonderley, along with her Flywheels co-founder, co-songwriter, and bass player Eric Scott, were mainstays of the Bay-area music scene for many years. For I'm For The Flowers, they teamed up with guitarist John Moremen (who's played with Matthew Sweet) and percussionist Gabe Coan. They also welcomed contributions from indie pop/rock veterans along the way like Young Fresh Fellows guru Scott McCaughey and his R.E.M. pal, guitarist Peter Buck, Dennis Diken and Mike Mesaros both of The Smithereens, and Roy Loney of the Flamin' Groovies.
Wonderley kicks off the album with the rocking kiss-off that is "Hello Cruel World." She also provides strong lead vocals on "Astronaut Motel," a sexy rave-up with a very cheesy organ, harmonica, handclaps, and a swell guitar break.
Scott's voice is perfect for the 60s-style songs that he and Wonderley have written. His sprawling "Diamond (From Your Mouth)" is a terrific soundscape of sounds from that period that takes more than a few cool musical turns. "Sobering Thoughts," later on the album, contains late-period Ringo-Starr-style drums and ringing guitars. It's a slow, bluesy number that crests with a blast of horns. Scott's "Dream Of Life," the final track, is just gorgeous and features a fine vocal, lovely backing vocals, and a great tune.
With their jangly, melodic tunes it would be great to be able to look forward to the next album from The Flywheels. But, unfortunately, I'm For The Flowers is not only their first album, but also their last. Scott's untimely passing last year put an end to The Flywheels' late-in-life but promising career. As a result, I'm For The Flowers becomes both a celebration of both Scott's life and the music that he and Wonderley loved and created.
I'm For The Flowers is out now on Mystery Lawn Music.
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