Bubblegum Lemonade is part of the title of an album by the late Cass Elliot, (aka Mama Cass); it is also the name of a solo project from Glasgow musician Lawrence “Laz” McCluskey, whose music is greatly influenced by earlier styles of psychedelic pop.
His new album is called Some Like it Pop. The lead song “This is the New Normal” was included in our December 16th Playlist Update, and it’s a charming piece of 60’s inspired pop. You can tell Laz has a real fondness for this classic sound. His music would fit right in with the Flower Children of San Francisco as well as the Paisley Underground movement of Los Angeles in the 80s. “This is the New Normal” would probably be regarded as a classic if it had been a part of either of those movements. It’s such a fresh take on the sound, especially with the addition of the fiddle which gives it that distinctive Scottish touch. There’s a reverence to those original styles, though, that makes it already feel like a classic today.
There is so much to love about this new album. This is timeless pop; sophisticated and melodic, with layered and lush arrangements. It’s hard to imagine that this is created by one person. Listening to it will transport you from the Velvet Underground to Belle & Sebastian with stops at The Beach Boys, Jesus & Mary Chain, The Smiths, and many others along the way. Some Like it Pop is streaming on Spotify and available for download on iTunes. You can also get a CD or Digital Download from Matinee Recordings. Follow Laz on Facebook and Twitter, and make sure to check out his other band Strawberry Whiplash too.