Formed in 1996, The Lassie Foundation released their first EP, California. California defined the group's sound, a mix of the smooth '60s and early '70s West Coast pop music and the sonic power of British shoegaze music. They are easily one of the best bands to hit the scene in the last 20 years or so. It's a shame that they have such a small devoted following. They should be well known throughout the world.
The hooks on this song are undeniable and the horn section is genius. I love that the Beach Boys fixation is still present. The El Dorado L.P. is such a solid release. A good amount of the songs off of it are on this list.
It's amazing that this song was held back for as long as it was. It should have seen the light of day as soon as it was completed. The beautiful horn parts along with great guitar work and the background vocals are a nice touch. Throw it all together and you have an awesome song.
It's been said that The Lassie Foundation are a catchy, trippy, fuzzed-out, Beach Boys-on-acid. I would tend to agree. "Crown of the Sea", which spotlights vocalist Wayne Everett's Brian Wilson falsetto, is a fantastic song.
El Rey is a great example of what they call the California sound. Included are some of the finest vocal harmonies along with excellent layered guitar work. Two of my favorite songs are on this release. "Promise Ring" being one of them.
The layered vocal harmonies of "The Psalm of the Strongest Man" are fantastic. It's as if Brian Wilson was in the studio alongside the California boys. It's as if The Beach Boys died and were reincarnated as The Lassie Foundation. This has gotta be the perfect summer song.
This one originated during the California EP sessions, which in many circles is considered a shoegaze classic, with influences like My Bloody Valentine and The Jesus and Mary Chain. How can a band go wrong? That's right, they can't. This might be the closest thing to a pop song on the album and it's a dandy.
As always, a Lassie song takes on a certain form. They usually seem to be hooky and compelling. "Down on the Docks" is no different. It is a wickedly awesome pop moment. It's as if they can do no wrong; in my eyes they can't.
This one has a very simple melodic structure that is genius. It's an infectious song that keeps you coming back for more. This batch of songs just might be their greatest achievement. Leaving the shoegazing layers of sound behind might have been the key.
Face Your Fun is about as straightforward a pop album as you can get and that's a good thing. The retro '80s feel that is felt throughout the disc starts from the very expressive first track, "Don't Stop Your Heart." The Lassie Foundation have always embraced their influences but have always moved past them to build their own brand of rock music. That's the quality that makes them one of the absolute best bands from California.
The El Dorado L.P. is one of those albums that you keep going back to. It's an album that right away you think is the best album in an artist's collection. After time goes by, you realize you were caught up in the feeling of hearing a new album by your favorite band. Nonetheless, it was still a great one. "Sweet Release" is a song that's hard to describe. All I can say is that it's just a song that makes me smile and want to smile.
An irresistible melody with a hook that goes for days. The Lassie Foundation should be the kings of California pop. It's a great injustice that they aren't a household name. They have more talent than 95% of the bands that end up on the radio.
The Lassie Foundation found a way to revisit the '80s without coming off as cheesy. They managed to take the best elements of that era and incorporate them into their already evolving shoegaze-pop sound. The guitar-driven "Money Money" is a perfect example of why these guys are so great. They are so dialed into what makes a great song.
It's easy to see why The Lassie Foundation was drawn to this song. It's full of the little things that make The Lassie Foundation great: melody, harmony, sparkling pop hooks and toe-tapping guitars. This Mighty Lemon Drops classic is such a great song. The boys of Lassie found a way to make the listener forget that this song was written by another.
The heavy guitar work and fat drumbeats on this one are fantastic. The song is always in forward motion. Wayne's vocal delivery is right on point. This album just might be their shining moment. Every song is a near killer.
The tuneful rhythm of "We Are The Kings" and the nonstop '80s nostalgia make this song a classic. This song is as catchy as they come. The intent and purpose of this song is to make you forget about your troubles and just enjoy yourself for even just a moment. Their compositions and arrangements are nothing short of masterful. This song represents that in the best way possible.
