CD of The Week

Let’s face it, two men in NASCAR jumpsuits performing dreamy indie-pop ballads on a stage is a tad awry. And it’s hard to take them seriously with a name like<strong> Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.</strong> (or just plain confusing at first). But once you get past the Cheerios and Lysol sponsorship logos staring you in the face, you may be surprised to find that their debut album, It’s a Corporate World, is full of notable songwriting.

Along with the duo’s insightful lyrics and infectious melodies (very <strong>Simon & Garfunkel</strong>), you’ll hear layers of sounds similar to those on the Animal Collective and Sun Airway crests. Some sound like arcade and casino game machines, while others are more soothing and airy. You'll also hear things like the gurgling synth in the upbeat "An Ugly Person on a Movie Screen” and plenty of La’s, Da’s, and Na-na-na’s to fill you up with a warm glass of cheerfulness. There is also a good amount of whistling and backing echoes in songs like “Skeletons” and “Simple Girl.”

"Vocal Chords" is the perfect sing-along song for a long road trip. They’ve also included an interesting cover of Gil Scott-Heron’s “We Almost Lost Detroit,” which sounds like it was handed up to MGMT for approval (but not before dropping the “We” in their version’s title). The slow-building colossal impact of “When I Open My Eyes” makes it one of my favorites. “The Fisherman,” “Morning Thought,” and the title track are also great songs.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. will be in town for the Popped Festivalon Friday, September 23rd.