I recently was given  a complimentary copy of  the new album “Have a Blast”, by Portland Oregon’s “The Caps” and it’s had me smiling ever since the first listen. These guys have been around for just a few years now releasing their second album with a new line up save James Hall the bands original drummer who recently rejoined and singer/guitarist Chris Worth. On “Have a Blast” they are back with eleven of the catchiest pop songs you’re likely to hear in 2011. Like a three way battle between Belle & Sebastian, Superchunk and The Beach Boys dashed with slightly off humor reminiscent of They Might Be Giants, The Caps manage to bring the rock while still maintaining a soft side you could be sipping champagne to while reading back issues of Mad Magazine.

The songs now, with lead vocals almost evenly split between Worth and new guitarist Andrew Grimaldo, are filled with humor you’re either going to get or quite possibly fly right over your head leaving you wondering if these guys are really taking themselves seriously. A song like “Bike City” could practically be Portland’s anthem here as one of the most bike-centric cities in America Continue reading →