Andre Cantave, Dave Madden and David Messier from Same Sky Productions in Austin, Texas have created Stay Cool, the debut album from MR LINEN. They describe the set as “a party album tailor-made for pool parties, beach trips and backyard BBQs,” with music reminiscent of '70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s pop and disco.
While Stay Cool is an indie release, let’s be clear that this is very clearly product with a well-executed branding and swag campaign--based around the studio’s French Bulldog--that comes part-and-parcel with the slick LP production. If you’re looking for raw, garage band dance tracks, this isn’t for you. If instead you are willing to lend your ears to professional musicians and producers who are skilled at their crafts, read on. I hope you’re still reading (and streaming their album at the same time), because Stay Cool sounds great and is a ton of fun. The tracks give off their desired party vibe, and the group explores a few different dance grooves across the nine-track set. The opening tracks (“Go Fast Boat” and “The Taco Song”) recall classic Prince with the falsetto vocals, funky guitars, keyboards that play horn-like parts, and clavinets draped in effects. “Make It On Her Own” takes a bluesy, soul groove, and marries it with Tower of Power-like horns. Think of it as an updated Motown record, but played closer to 45rpm than 33⅓. MR LINEN gives us some outright disco (“Space Kung Fu” and “Cindy,” which could have been a Kool and the Gang track), as well as a retro synth dance number (“Soul Shaker”). “Mr Linen” could be either a talk-show introduction or product placement in a blaxploitation spoof (complete with flute solo!). Their island-paradise homage “The Dirty Banana” sets Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney and Zac Brown on their ears. Finally, “I Got You”’s broad, blue-eyed soul with extended chords is note-perfect yacht rock, which is exactly what they are aiming for. Stay Cool has all of your party vibes covered. Lyrically, MR LINEN keeps tongue firmly in cheek, ala The Lonely Island, albeit with less of a shock factor. You know not to take them too seriously when they give themselves a shout out in the first minute of the first song of their first release, and then do it again (and again, and again). Some tongue-in-cheek lyrics will remain funny for years to come, while others won’t stand the test of time. We’ll see where Stay Cool ends up; the paean to the $3.70 taco constructor likely has some legs. But really, the only legs Stay Cool is meant to engage are your own, such that they get you out of your seat and dancing. MR LINEN’s offering isn’t meant to be an enduring masterpiece that will be entombed in a museum. Rather, it’s meant to be a bit of lighthearted fun to bring some sunshine to your summer days. In that, it succeeds.
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