Dr. Dog

“Dr. Dog” Dr. Dog
Indie that can range from psych rock, baroque pop and blues rock to hints of indie folk or Americana. 11th album from this Philadelphia-based quintet that’s been around since 1999. Known for engaging, enthusiastic music and fun, unpredictable live performances. The tracks feature harmonized vocals over guitars, bass and drums, together with keyboards and occasional brass. Dr. Dog’s sound is reminiscent of bands from the 60s and 70s such as Big Star, the Beach Boys and even the Beatles. RIYL: Fruit Bats, Spoon, Islands and local favorites, Rogue Wave.
— Francis

Recommended: 4, 11, 1, 2, 7, 6. No FCCs noted.

1. (3:30) Authority — Repetitive piano plinking with lilting vocals, a Latin-flavored rhythm and some effects. Brass is added near the end. ****
2. (4:31) Lost Ones — Easy, bouncy stroll with a blues-y foundation. Nice groove. Rich harmonies and finger-snaps. Guitar solo in the lead break. ***
3. (4:31) Fat Dog — Swing-y and surf-y with light guitar stingers, a skipping beat and synth strings.
4. (4:31) Talk Is Cheap — Really catchy, with breezy vocals over player piano-style keyboards, synth strings, a syncopated rhythm and intriguing call-and-response embellishments from the backing singers. ****
5. (3:37) What A Night’ll Do — Sentimental, kind of woozy ballad. Heavily produced with swelling orchestra, piano and late-night bar vocals.
6. (2:34) Tell Your Friends — Soft rock like the band America from the 70s. Sweetness over piano, a predictable bass line and warped rhythm. **
7. (3:23) Still Can’t Believe — Slow burner with a blues-wrapped indie folk or Americana flavor. Raw vocals and instrumentation. Reminds me of Houndmouth, the band that did “Sedona” in 2015. ***
8. (3:56) Fine White Lies — Laid-back and lounge-y. Plinking piano in the distance, heavily reverbed vocals (some spoken) and a measured beat.
9. (2:24) White Dove — Recalls Bob Dylan rockers from the 60s. Guitar-led with prominent organ and edgy guitar solo in the lead break.
10. (3:41) Handyman — Psych rock with throaty and ringing guitars and tumbling drums. Harmonized lead vocals.
11. (3:21) Love Struck (Feat. M. Ward) — Great toe-tapping closer! Hook-y folk rock with fiddle and banjo, and M. Ward harmonizing. Sounds a lot like Fruit Bats. ****