From the San Francisco Bay Area comes John Swerdan, whose blissful breed of pop music spools back to a period when melody was king and musicians recorded albums where every song was worthy and memorable. Accompanied by Alec Palao on guitars, bass and keyboards, John Kent on drums and Wally on guitar, keyboards and percussion, John has created a masterful selection of tunes here. The title track of the album whirls and twirls with hazy, lightly seasoned psychedelic indentations, while the harmonica peppered “Rebecca In Pigtails” makes me think of something to the effect of Bob Dylan blowing in the wind with The E-Types. “I’m Stone” also features some choice harmonica playing, supported by a row of sun-kissed choruses on target to those of The Beach Boys. Awash in paisley papered textures, “Must Be The Weather” whirls and twirls through a trippy magical mystery tour of strawberry fields occupied by people sitting on cornflakes, where “Sky Is Falling” bubbles and pops  with purpose and clarity. A dreamy atmosphere cushions “Keep Up With The Times” and “On The Surface Of The Moon” is just plain gorgeous. Carved of crafty arrangements and standard pop songwriting techniques that never grow old, “Vinyl Wings Of Joy” is definitely a joy to behold. Emotional and elastic, the music tugs at both your brain and heart.

– Beverly Paterson, TWIST AND SHAKE RECORD REVIEWS