Summer Fiction is unforgivingly catchy

Bouncing out of the speakers with a happy go-lucky Summer Days [And Summer Nights!!!] vibe, the opening track, “She's Bound to Get Hurt,” sounds like a direct answer to Brian Wilson’s “You’re So Good To Me.” Mix in a little “Trombone Dixie” at the end, and you get the style and direction of this 11-track collection: happy sounds with underlying tones of melancholy, angst and love. 

Summer Fiction is the group and album moniker singer/songwriter Bill Ricchini uses for this recording excursion. His name may be a familiar to some. His song, “A Cold Wind Will Blow Through Your Door” appeared in Season 3 of “Grey’s Anatomy” and on his 2009 solo album, Tonight I Burn Brightly.

With the diversity Ricchini brings to this collection it’s hard to imagine this material being as interesting as Brian Wilson’s more formative years (1965-1967), but it can be matter-of-factly stated that when listening to “By The Sea,” “Diamond Beach,” “Carry On,” (the Bacharach inspired) “Lipstick Traces” and “Throw Your Arms Around Me” you feel a deep connection to Ricchini and his muse: emotional disconnect coupled with heartbreak. 

The album’s best recording, the unforgivingly catchy “Chandeliers,” inspired artist Kevin Chia – known for his clips for indie band Best Coast – to make a video using existing film footage from 1965's "Fists in the Pocket."   

As pop friendly as this album’s music is, the most compelling aspect of these songs is that they lyrically permeate with heartbreak and exile. When asked about the album content Ricchini said, “The songs are more character driven, but at the same time very personal.” As with Wilson’s Pet Sounds album, I suggest headphones at night.

Essential listening: “Chandeliers” and “She’s Bound To Get Hurt”

 ©2011 David M. Beard/All rights reserved