I’ve followed the trajectory of Dean Wareham’s career since its inception, catching Galaxie 500 while in college, but missing Luna altogether over these decades. Now we have this new solo album, his fourth, called That’s The Price of Loving Me. It reunites Dean with Kramer the producer, their first collaboration since the final Galaxie 500 album. The album was recorded over 6 days in LA and also includes Wareham’s wife Britta Phillips, Anthony LaMarca (The War on Drugs), Roger Brogan, and Gabe Noel on cello.
‘You Were The Ones I Had To Betray’ is the fine opening track, blanketed in gauzy layers of cello and Wareham’s trademark guitar and warm vocals. It lands between the work of his other bands, and is perhaps more introspective than other songs on this release. Love and friendship can certainly invite pain to the table. The Mayo Thompson cover, ‘Dear Betty Baby’, mirrors early VU mashed with Galaxie 500, slow and thoughtful as it unfolds. ‘Mystery Guest’ is simple and unadorned, with captivating lyrics and a lovely waltz feel to it. ‘New World Julie’ has some cool guitar work, but it’s a sad song and reflects the current state of affairs.
‘We’re Not Finished Yet’ has hushed backing vocals from Britta, the perfect accompaniment to a grand song. ‘Bougeois Mancque’ (or is that Bourgeois?) has a swell arrangement with cello and Dean’s trademark vocals and guitar. ‘Yesterday’s Hero’ picks up the pace nicely and makes me miss Luna all the more! It’s a gorgeous tune whose energy pops in from nowhere and delights the senses. The album’s title track has a relaxing cadence with bongos and strings, once again pushing up the energy level. ‘Reich der Traume’ is a Nico cover, and the final ‘The Cloud is Coming’ is pensive. It has an evocative melody, but the lovely arrangement doesn’t detract from the dark days looming over all of us. Thank God for the creative talents of musicians like Dean Wareham to make our days a little brighter. Highly recommended!
