While Francine's debut full-length is a stylistic departure for singer/songwriter Clayton Scoble since his days with Poundcake, on Forty on a Fall Day his unmistakable voice and unique melodies have not changed greatly. The difference here, rather, is entirely within the band as a whole unit. Whereas Pouncake's Aloha Via Satellite is primarily fuzzy guitar pop, Francine are just as comfortable settling into a mellow groove (as on "Quasars" with its roomy drums and tremolo Fender Rhodes) as they are with the power pop of a song like "Trampoline." Frequently, Francine mix the two -- "Pop Warner" starts off with a loungy bass and drum pattern that carries the verse until the chorus, which bursts with heavy guitar and some very catchy harmonies. What really makes Forty on a Fall Day stand out is its marriage of those brilliant original melodies with clever lyrics. "Pop Warner" turns out to be a story wherein the narrator takes Kim Deal to a football game while discussing his favorite songs from her Amps' Pacer album. "Jet to Norway" outlines the life of a would-be filmmaker with a great vocal/guitar hook, and somehow incorporates the improbable line "Maybe you're trying to get rock from the blood of Johnny Tesh." ~ Scott Janovitz, All Music Guide
This is an amazingly great album if you like this artist's style. There's wonderful guitar work, great hooks, intelligent lyrics and smooth male vocals.
My favorites from it are "Jet To Norway", "Pop Warner" and "Mean As Hell". I also thing "Quasars" and "Aw Grace" are wonderful too.