It’s retro Friday and today’s offering takes you back in time to the opening track from Pernice Brothers’ second album, 2001’s ‘The World Won’t End’. The album begins with the words: “She summered every winter through a calendar from Paradise,” and the band’s unmistakable, bright, shimmering sound. Formed after Joe Pernice’s alt-country group Scud Mountain Boys disbanded, Pernice Brothers were inspired by the pop arrangements of the likes of Brian Wilson. ‘Working Girls (Sunlight Shines)’ is a great example of Pernice Brothers’ lush brilliance, which saw them release a series of critically-acclaimed albums throughout the 2000s. Those jangling guitars deliver melodic sunshine. And yet, the sonic mood is in stark contrast to the dark lyrics as the song progresses: “Contemplating suicide or a graduate degree // Answers ‘how’s it goin’?’ with // I feel sullen, I feel sullen, I feel seventeen.” Powerful stuff. Most of all, this is a reminder that Pernice Brothers have that ability to write tremendous songs. Enjoy.
Video: Pernice Brothers “Working Girls (Sunlight Shines)”
Absolutely wonderful. Following the loss of my record/cd collection in a 2007 house fire, “The World Won’t End” and “yours, mine & ours” were among the first must have purchases I made.
Thanks for the reminder of the wonder that is Joe Pernice in his many guises. I spent a whole afternoon down the rabbit hole of Pernice Brothers and Scud Mountain Boys albums.