Best Coast

The Only Place (Kemado Records/Mexican Summer)

Fuzzy-buzzy starry-eyed beach-pop no longer, Bethany Cosentino’s Best Coast has mellowed in the wake of its fame. Smeared in placid, wheelbarrow country, its second album, The Only Place, plucks wholesome heartstrings, with both Loretta Lynn and Stevie Nicks as close overseers. Cosentino’s mostly concerned with boys and their unreciprocated feelings, but these songs are antiques, fitting an outdated mold, like a historian’s guide to love song writing. Her gorgeous, autumnal voice still carries the weight, but Best Coast is left sounding less vital. It’s hard to fall head over heels twice. (Sun., 12:30am, Emo’s East.)

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This article appears in June 1 • 2012.

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