Popster Takes a Swing at Alt-Country and Connects

William Duke’s Fine New Record ‘Quatro’

December 4, 2018December 4, 2018 David Bash 1 Comment Quatro, The Jayhawks, William Duke

Artist: William Duke
Recording: Quatro
Label: Self-released
★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

Long time fans of the pop genre may recognize Duke’s name from his days with the San Francisco power pop band The Happy Regrets and the pop-psych outfit The Bye Bye Blackbirds. Since going solo, however, he’s opted for a softer, Americana-flavoured sound influenced by The Jayhawks and Big Star, and highlighted by a brace of harmonies.

So it is with his fourth—and best—album, the aptly named Quatro.

This disc may very well be his magnum opus, as every track is gorgeous, particularly the Teenage Fanclub-ish ‘Caroline and The Silver Screen,’ ‘Junk #2,’ the Beach Boys influenced ‘Hotels End,’ the joyous sounding ‘Cue Up The Memories,’ ‘As Good As It Gets’ and ‘Thank You,’ all punctuated by Duke’s very pleasing tenor and yearning melodies.

Quite soothing, particularly after a rough day, but feel free to listen to it anytime!