Album Mini-review: The Arcs — Yours, Dreamily
File Next to: Dennis Coffey, Tame Impala, Ty Segall
Though I’m not hostile to their music in any way, I’ve remained largely immune to the charms of the Black Keys. For me, that style ha been done more effectively my others; it feels like a gimmick. The same could be said – though not by me – about the kind of retro-garage rock that group’s Dan Auerbach makes with his newest project, The Arcs. There’s a kind of swinging mod undercurrent to the song and their arrangements, leavened with a feel not unlike Detroit soul. But the whole thing is delivered within an unabashedly American rock ‘n’ roll vibe. Fuzz guitars, clattering drums, judicious use of clever studio effects: those are the hallmarks of Yours, Dreamily. There are even elements of trip-hop in songs like “Put a Flower in Your Pocket.” With one foot in the past and other planted firmly in the present, The Arcs capture the zeitgeist of both. Recommended.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.