Record Reviews

Bedbug

Happiest of Hours (Two Sheds)

If most alternative pop albums are garish halogen bulbs, or tacky frosted neon, Bedbug's Happiest of Hours is a vintage hurricane lamp. Warm and flickering, seasoned with the pleasant aroma of kerosene, it casts its subtle glow across your room in muted waves. Ideal for snuggling up with a good book, favorite kitty, or that special two-legged companion, this local trio's debut is much more suited to Sunday afternoon than Saturday night. Which is not to call it dull, but just to point out that the gauzy, snail-paced guitar tapestries of "Anytime at All" or "…Minutes Later" won't step on your hangover. Nor will faster songs like "Nova Scotia" and "Big Day Out" disappoint those who like their rock wrapped in sweaterlike layers of fuzzy comfort (or lyrics about soccer). Opener "Misadventures of an Orange Daisy Towel" is a striking portrait of the unexpected yet deep attachments we form to the most mundane of household items, much the same way the most unobtrusive albums are the ones we end up holding onto the longest. Highly recommended to Luna fans and anyone else who enjoys a hot cup of Earl Grey before bedtime. Slip Happiest of Hours on your stereo and slip away into a dream world where girls in black miniskirts are happy to come over and watch demolition derby. Not a bad place to be.