The Lemonheads Varshons II

Recording information: Old Soul Studios, Catskill, NY (01/2018-02/2018); The Print Shop, Oak Bluffs, MA (01/2018-02/2018).

Evan Dando hasn't exactly been prolific in the 21st century. After threatening to become prolific in the 2000s -- he released a solo album, Baby I'm Bored, in 2003, then reunited the Lemonheads for their first new album in ten years in 2006 -- he decided to settle into a role he always longed to be: a college rock crooner, lazily strumming his favorite songs in the twilight hours. Throughout the Lemonheads' career, Dando always steered the group toward other people's songs, but 2009's Varshons was a full-fledged covers album, split between chestnuts from classic singer/songwriters, rustic versions of indie tunes, and the occasional spike of irony. Varshons 2 -- delivered a swift decade after its predecessor -- sands down those rough edges, swapping GG Allin for Florida Georgia Line, and sounding altogether warm and cozy. The only time there's a hint of underground squall is a vigorous cover of the Eyes' "TAQN" (its speed countering the intent of the lyrics) and the gnarly electric guitar threaded through a version of Lucinda Williams' "Abandoned," which provides a nice, nervy contrast to Dando's honeyed voice. Ten years later, he's remarkably no worse for the wear; his voice doesn't sound weathered, it sounds broken in, wrapping itself easily around songs he clearly knows by heart. Dando remains a sensitive, nuanced interpreter and, as produced by Matthew Cullen, the Lemonheads sound amiable and charming: the best college bar band you could imagine stumbling upon on a Saturday afternoon. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine