Calling all dads

If the latest album from John Stirratt and Pat Sansone of Wilco‰’s side project is any indication of their musical taste, one would be forgiven if their bigger band‰’s forays into “dad rock‰” are all their fault. At Fifth‰’s best, The Autumn Defense resemble Simon & Garfunkel or later day Beach Boys, featuring stellar harmonies and lush but intimate instrumentation. At Fifth‰’s worst, The Autumn Defense sound like a 70s soft rock group, weird bossa beats and all. The good news is that they offer more of the former than the latter, and their such competent performers and songwriters that they can pull off some of the more dad-tastic moments. It might be a little too chilled out for some but overall Fifth is a fairly laid back, uncomplicated album that‰’s an effective rumination on relationships past.

RIYL: Wilco, My Morning Jacket, Simon & Garfunkel
Recommended: 4, 5, 8, 11