Telephone Numbers * Scarecrow Ii [New CD]

The Telephone Numbers have established themselves as a crucial part of San Francisco's fertile indie music scene, sharing members with The Reds, Pinks & Purples and The Umbrellas and a musical palette that takes in everything from the rootsier end of Byrds jangle to Lemonheads-tinged power-pop to the pop sophistication of bands like The Go-Betweens and The Church."Scarecrow II" is their second album and a massive step forward for the band. Recorded by Alicia Vanden Heuvel at SF's Speakeasy Studios, this set of songs is deeper and richer, foregrounding the crafty tunes and lovely melodies, adding just-right bits of trumpet, violin and organ to the mix. With "Scarecrow II" The Telephone Numbers have created a record overflowing with warmth, an earnest exploration of traditionalist pop that feels fresh, vital, and essential.