Rebroadcasting '60s rock

If the Doves' Last Broadcast was a soundtrack, it would probably score one of those quirky, witty creations so typical to director like Wes Anderson and Spike Jonze. Simultaneously moody and upbeat, the sophomore album from the Doves is an important study in Britpop versatility and imagination. Musically, the Doves are like Coldplay's cooler, older brother _ except the Doves are smoother, more mature, and more secure.

The album's opening, "Intro," is an opulent, instrumental overture that begins to acclimatize the listener to the band's signature sound. The track leads directly into "Words", an upbeat, melodious tune enhanced with whimsical bell-like sounds. This song is a joyful tribute to playful '60s rock, in true British pop style. "There Goes the Fear", is another sweet tune and is musically similar to "Words."

Underscoring this pretty tune are dark, lyrical phrases. For example, lead singer Jimi Goodwin croons, "You turn around and life's passed you by..." The song concludes with an exotic, tribal-percussion mix of beats and sounds.

"M62 Song" starts with an eerie, ominous intro and progresses into a dark, folksy ballad. The surreal spirit of the lyrics and sounds in this song help construct a hauntingly deoxygenated atmosphere that is at once unusual and appealing.

"Where We're Calling From" is a sparkling, bizarre instrumental that serves as the album's unofficial intermission. "NY" is a rocking, psychedelic song about the Big Apple. The cosmic melodies and playful lyrics bring to mind traditional '60s icons like the Beatles.

In contrast, "Satellites" commences with a catchy percussion intro and evolves into a lush, gospel-like hymn. Song number eight is "Friday;" it begins with mysteriously subtle sounds and continues in this fashion. Entirely devoid of percussion accompaniment, "Friday" is easily one of the album's most unique songs. Innovative musical arrangements, which include instruments like clarinets, help create the song's melancholic mood.

"Pounding" is a traditional "carpe diem" rock anthem with catchy lyrics. In the song, Goodwin merrily warns us to "seize the time cause it's now or never baby." The subsequent song is the title track "Last Broadcast," an effervescent, deceptively simple song with shimmering melodies. Then follows "The Sulphur Man," a playfully charming and joyous tune with earnest lyrics: "I wish you could find what matters," Goodwin sings sincerely. Last Broadcast concludes with "Caught by the River,"a radio-friendly pop song that will most likely be one of the album's singles.

The Doves are a trio from Manchester, England composed of singer Goodwin and twin brothers Jez (guitar) and Andy Williams (drums). The band members have previously joined forces in the dance group Sub Sub and are best-known for their club hit "Ain't No Love (Ain't No Use)."

Lost Souls, released in 2000, was the Doves' first full-length album. Last Broadcast is the follow-up release by the band and was released spring of this year.

Last Broadcast has many superior qualities that merge together to generate a great album. It is one of several stellar, critically-acclaimed follow-up albums released in 2002. Other such successes include Dishwalla's Opaline and Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.

It is also the one of the latest releases to emerge from the Britpop family of post-Radiohead musicians. Fellow peers include Travis and Coldplay, to name a few. However, the Doves distinguish themselves from the pack by infusing their sophomore album with versatile sounds and melodies. The songs range from upbeat, pop concoctions to somber, thoughtful meditations. Lead singer Jimi Goodwin has a smooth, pleasant voice well-suited to the task at hand. Although his vocal range is not as impressive as those of his musical counterparts, Goodwin's voice is fitting to the album's sound. The end result is a fuzzy, beautiful album filled with a plethora of excellent tunes.

If you're looking to expand your musical palette, give the Doves' Last Broadcast a spin. It's a fresh-sounding, excellent album skillfully produced by this British trio. The Doves combine beautiful melodies with insightful, original lyrics to create an album that is easily one of the year's finest. Don't miss out on this lavish musical adventure.