Personnel: Scott Klass (vocals, guitar, piano, percussion); Dan Miller (electric & lap steel guitars); Sam Mcllvain (guitar); Heather Hardy (violin); Ariane Llamand (cello); Charles Newman (keyboards); Dan Weinkauf (bass). Todd Foulsham (drums, vocals). Recorded at Mother West Studios, New York, New York. Personnel: Dan Miller (guitar, lap steel guitar); Sam McIlvain (guitar); Heather Hardy (violin); Ariane Lallemand (cello); Charles Newman (keyboards); Todd Foulsham (drums). Recording information: Mother West Studios, New York, NY. Although immediate comparisons to both Fountains of Wayne and Semisonic come to mind, the Davenports have taken subtle college power pop to an infinitely pleasing level. While Speaking of the Davenports may not be quite as immediate and bracing as records by the two aforementioned artists, all the same tools for success are in place; the lyrics are slightly tongue-in-cheek nostalgic fodder, and the songs are hook-filled and infectious. In the disc's twelve tracks, quite a bit is represented; there's rockin' pop songs like the full-throttle "Object in the Mirror" and "Dog Run" (both of which feature excellent lyrical ideas, as well), ballads like "I'll Come Down" and "Girls Night Out," and excellently-written, unconventional pop songs like "Keep Me Far Away From Gary." Speaking of the Davenports is really another fine debut from another fine band who continue to keep power pop an ever-evolving and thriving subgenre. ~ Jason Damas

• Released: 12/29/2001
• Format: CD
• Genre: Pop