So...Many...Guitar...Solos. So...Much...Hippy...Bullshit!

Artist: Citay
Album: Dream Get Together

Short Review: Citay's Dream Get Together is hippy bullshit, and I mean that in the best way possible.
Long Review: Citay is comprised Erza Feinberg and a revolving door of musicians. Their focus, it seems, is to combine elements of folk, psychedelia and sunny '60s-style pop into the longest guitar jam possible.

Considering how many current bands are leaning on digital elements to create their sound, Citay's commitment to the guitar is almost endearing. Every song on the album is more or less structured the same way: the band starts on a simple, friendly pop progression (think a few simple chords being played on repetition). Base of the song established, there might be singing (or there might not be, we'll cover that in a minute). After that, its just nonstop guitar solos.

Some songs are more rock-oriented ("Careful With That Hat"), some songs have a world-music feel to them ("Secret Breakfast"), and some songs have a Grateful Dead-like folk appeal ("Fortunate Son"), but every song has got a bitching guitar solo.

As for lyrics, Citay doesn't put a very high premium on them.

Of the album's eight tracks, only three feature any kind of meaningful vocal presence. "Dream Get Together" and "Tugboat" are the only two songs that boast traditional structure and verse / chorus / verse singing. Incidentally, those two songs, the only ones that clock in under four and a half minutes, are the best on the album. The former is a cheerful, upbeat interpretation of '60s-psych pop and the latter is a restrained, haunting love song that boasts this overly cute, nonsensical lyric: "I just want to be your tugboat captain."

You can bet your ass I'll be saying that to my girlfriend sometime soon.

If "Dream Get Together" and "Tugboat" are examples of how good Citay can be with a little focus, the rest of the album is an exercise in over-indulgence. Most tracks are nothing more than extended instrumental pieces that serve as a medium for the listener to see how kick ass guitar solos can be. Sure, there are entertaining sections ("Careful With That Hat", "Hunter"), but most of the album is a hazy blur of faux-trippy '60s revisionism.

One's enjoyment of Dream Get Together will depend greatly upon their appreciation for good jam sessions. Jam sessions are fine after all, but it's hard not to be a little disappointed in Citay after hearing the disparity between what they are capable of and what they want to be.

Key Tracks: Dream Get Together, Careful With That Hat, Tugboat

Buy, Steal, Skip: Steal