San Francisco in the 90’s

Description

San Francisco in the 90’s is a six-track CD-EP by the American indiepop band Map (a.k.a. singer, songwriter, and guitarist Josh Dooley), released on Velvet Blue Music in April 2006.

When he’s not hanging out with Starflyer 59, guitarist Josh Dooley keeps himself busy exploring his own musical expression in Map. San Francisco in the 90’s is the band’s 6th release on Velvet Blue Music, and follows the path laid down on Think Like An Owner. A wonderful portrait of dreamy pop painted with a melancholic brush. Dooley’s catchy guitar isn’t as upfront as in previous recordings, but rather it makes room for the infectious key-based melodies provided by recent recruit Paul Akers. Another new member is drummer Trevor Monks, who helps round out the trio. While the band wears its SF59 influence on its sleeve (the EP was produced by Jason Martin), listeners will also be pleased to hear sounds reminiscent of The Autumns or The Cure. Dooley’s (at times) understated vocals accompany the music perfectly – blending his lonely and wistful lyrics as if they are another instrument. Still considered an underground pop group, Map patiently waits for the masses to catch onto the soothing brilliance found on this EP. [Doug Giesbrecht, HM Magazine, September/October 2006 (Issue #121)]

How can I not like a band that names a song «Breakfast at IKEA»? I’m married to a Swede! That said, it turns out that MAP’s EP San Francisco In the 90’s is a sweet, melancholy EP that occasionally rocks out.

As stated, the EP opens with the catchy, enjoyable «Breakfast At IKEA». The lyrics are intriguing and bittersweet: “What’s the opposite of rejection/ Why they always call it God’s protection” J. Dooley sings in the first verse. The chorus, or so it goes, is “Not in love, I’m just lonely, never find the one and only.” It’s a bit sappy, but very sincere.

Ironically, MAP’s sound draws more from the ’70’s than the ’90’s. «I Know You, I Never Knew You» reminds me (not entirely) of Ween’s «Mister, Would You Please Help My Pony», which itself reminds me of a certain 70’s genre/style I’ve never been able to appropriately label. Anyways, the songs are all very good, and the album ending instrumental track «Rachel Dreams» switches things up, utilizing a drum machine to create a mild electronic piece that brings the disc to a close.

My one quibble with the EP relates to the production. San Francisco In the 90’s was produced by Starflyer 59 frontman Jason Martin. Martin manages to make MAP sound very good, but also very much like Starflyer 59. The title track on ’90’s’ sounds unsettlingly similar to the song «Mic the Mic» on SF59’s new record ‘My Island‘. Mind you, MAP put out this EP six-seven months ago, while the new SF59 came out last month, so who’s miming who…

MAP has been around for a while now, and although the sonic similarities between recent SF59 and this current EP are unfortunate, they continue to be a quality alt-rock addition to the Velvet Blue Music roster of Richard Swift, Kissing Cousins, Denison Marrs and Pony Express. Looking forward to an LP. [Ryan Ro, The Phantom Tollbooth, 2006]

> iTunes

CD-EP tracklist:

01. Breakfast at IKEA – 2:46
02. San Francisco in the 90’s – 2:05
03. Au bord de la mer – 2:35
04. The art of Living – 2:57
05. I know you, I never knew you – 2:18
06. Rachel dreams – 3:14

Note: Available at Bandcamp: https://thebandmap.bandcamp.com/album/san-francisco-in-the-90s

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