Lunapark

by

Luna

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Luna did not really perfect their sound until their second album, "Bewitched," but it is this very fact that makes "Lunapark" an essential part of any Luna fan's collection. The sound of this album is more jagged and more spontaneous than anything they've recorded since. Some of the tunes here, like "Time" and "I Can't Wait," are rather nondescript, but most are above average and "Slide" and "Slash Your Tires" are Luna classics. More importantly, all the songs work together to establish a mood.

Dean Wareham's lyrics are clever and amusing, often dealing with romantic obsessions. The object of desire hovers just out of reach, somehow eluding the protagonist without even trying. But it's all part of the game, and what a fun game it is. (Luna would explore this theme again and again, especially on the underrated "Pup Tent.")

Though Dean Wareham is often compared to Lou Reed, and for good reason, I believe he has more in common with Neil Young. Like Neil, he projects warmth and quirkiness, with none of Reed's forbidding coolness. There are no folk songs here, but there is a slight country twang that gives a distinctive edge to Luna's polished urban sound. This album was the first of a string of very good releases from Luna.