If I Had a Hi-Fi

Artist: Nada Surf
Label: Stomp
Website: www.nadasurf.com

I always say that if you are going to put out a covers record it should have several key components: 1) a mix of groups people know with groups they don't 2) make sure you change up the tracks and don't put out the same song and 3) don't take yourself too seriously.

Veteran indie band Nada Surf follow all three here on the Record Store Day/tour release album If I Had a Hi-Fi, as they tackle groups you may not know like Bill Fox, Dwight Twilley or Mecromina and groups you do, such as Depeche Mode, Spoon and The Moody Blues.

For the most part, the songs sound like a Nada Surf record as the band does a nice job changing up tempos, styles and harmonies to meet their own groove. Lastly, Nada Surf approach this record with a care free attitude, as these 12 tracks are from artists they enjoy and songs like "Bye Bye Beaute" from french singer Coralie Clement has singer Matthew Caws fluently speaking her language. Basically, if you have been a follower of Nada Surf then this record is a slam dunk 40 minutes of fun.

It is still a covers record, so you can only get so hyped up about it but when you hand out grades for these type of projects, If I Had a Hi-Fi ranks up there with some of the best.

Christopher Anthony

For more of Christopher Anthony's music reviews, check out The Fire Note