Rock Ridge Music
2007
The Last Of The International Playboys
About This Album
Love's trajectory is rarely straight, which is why most romances end in tears, but the ineffably upbeat Stroke 9 refuse to cry, preferring to smile through the pain. Their Last of the International Playboys album is awash in failing relationship numbers and break-up songs, each underlit by the band's glowing music, and underscored by the lyrics so true to life vignettes. "It's Curtains for You!," Stroke 9 never actually declare on the set's opening track, instead tartly waving goodbye and good luck to love. Opening in an atmospheric swirl of acoustic guitars, soaring harmonies and rumbling drums, the song whirls straight into shiny, jubilant pop. "Feel the Summer" switches perspective, no longer hard done by, they're the ones doing the leaving here, amidst a wave of jangly, chiming guitars. "Scream," in contrast, crosses a C&W tinge with luminescent pop, but before the band walk out on this girl, the song swells to its emotional climax amidst plush orchestral overdubs. With all these failed relationships behind them, on "7 Year Itch" Stroke 9 try to salvage the next one by starting over in a new town, coaxing their love to accompany them with an anthemic chorus and a breezy alt pop/rock backing.
Track List (try tracks 2,3,7,9 and 10)

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