My most anticipated album of 2007 has finally arrived, and on emusic no less! San Diego’s the Stereotypes released by far and away my favourite album of 2005, entitled 3. Now they have returned with 4.
It’s funny…I actually ordered the cd through the band’s website the day before it appeared on emusic last week. That being said, I certainly do not mind paying for these guys’ records twice.
4 continues where 3 left off: the ‘types have pretty much abandoned their more garage/Strokes-like tendencies from 1 and 2 for a cleaner pop sound. I still see a lot of similarity to Australian band the Church with their chiming Rickenbacker guitars. A couple friends mentioned similarities to the Replacements/Paul Westerberg. Although I’m sure they are there, I don’t consciously hear them.
Speaking of influences, 4 features what is as far as I can tell the first cover on a ‘types album, the song “Days” from Television’s Adventure album. When I first heard it, I thought “this song sounds a lot like Television” but I did not recognize it as a cover since I was not expecting any covers from them. Funny.
In any case, I am liking this album a lot. I can’t tell yet whether it is up to 3‘s high standard but this is certainly an excellent record headed for my best of 2007 list.
Next most anticipated: High Tension Wires’ Midnight Cashiers due on Dirtnap next month! 
