Crazy For You by Best Coast

Crazy For You by Best Coast
Genre: Garage rock, Indie rock, Surf pop
Released: July 27, 2010
Music Label: Mexican Summer

Annotation: Crazy For You is a popular indie album combined with California pop hooks that was released in July 2010. It is popular with teens and hipsters alike.

Summary: Best Coast is an indie rock band that is based in Los Angeles, California. It consists of vocalist and guitarist, Bethany Cosentino, who writes all the songs herself and fronts the group, multi-instrumentalist, Bobb Bruno, who writes the melodies for all the songs, and drummer Ali Koehler. Their first album released was Crazy For You in July 2010. It was released on the indie label, Mexican Summer, and consists of 12 tracks topping out at just over 30 minutes. The album has a unique sound of fuzzy lo-fi indie rock combined with California pop hooks in the vein of girl groups from the '60s. The lyrics deal with romance and relationships with many references to California and Cosentino's cat, Snacks, who is on the front cover. Before the album was released, the band issued many singles and EPs from the album that resulted in a great underground following from many of their hipster and teen fans.

Critical Evaluation: This album is a statement of what Cosentino was going through: a relationship and romance. Song titles such as "Boyfriend," "Crazy for You," and "Honey" state the obvious. But what sets Cosentino apart from the rest of lyricists is her awareness. She knows that the person she's with may not be the best influence as stated in "Crazy for You: "You drive me crazy but I love you, you make me lazy but I love you." She also shows a soft spot for California and her cat, Snacks as evident in tracks such as "Summer Mood" and "Happy." Overall, the lyrics are really bright and upbeat; this isn't an album about the negatives of relationships but everything positive with the California sun shining upon it. Valentino sings this in a California pop style reminiscient to the girl groups of the '60s where lyrics are simple, words ryhme, and songs are short. This is combined with the sound of lo-fi guitars from Bruno, which creates a very unique and balanced poppy indie sound. Valentino was in a really bright and upbeat mood as if the California sun was shining on her when writing the album and the catchiness and good vibes are contagious throughout; it's music to hang out to and go the beach with your boyfriend or girlfriend. Teens appreciate the relateable lyrics about relationships, not to mention the sound, which brings noteriety to the table. And whatever mood Valentino may be in, that is how the the future albums will sound, which is a great way to keep things fresh.

Why Included: This album has a great sound and I actually got to see them live back in February.  I didn't think that they would appeal to teens but at the show, it was very obvious that over half the audience were teens.  Then you start listening to the lyrics and you can see why.  For me personally, I just love the sound.