Ideal Free Distribution‘s second album, “Then We Were Older,” begins with an echoey cry straight out of 1968. This album opener, “Cold Wind Blows,” is a sophisticated piece of retro-pop that should please old fogeys who think music never improved since 1971, but will also appeal to younger listeners with its subtle energy and fascinating, ever-changing instruments. From there, the record continues to astound. Most modern psychedelic pop bands feel the need to sound dark or cynical, but IFD is content to write exploratory songs that are dreamy without being shoegazy, introspective without oversharing, and vague without being obtuse. There’s something for everyone here, whether you dig The Shins, The Kinks, The Byrds, Matthew Sweet, The Zombies, Stars . . . Whatever. If you’re a modern hippie, this is a must-get record. I loved it, and can’t stop listening to it.
BONUS ZOMBIFIED COVERS:
Care of Cell #44-The Grey Race
Time of the Season-My Morning Jacket (live)
(Both by The Zombies)