Tyler Ballgame
“I Believe In Love”
Rough Trade Records
Is it a major recession indicator that I’m hearing more 70s-style, Harry Nilsson-ish vocals on new tracks?
If it is, I’m ready to start camping out by the highway.
Tyler Ballgame is absolutely nailing it on “I Believe In Love,” which even in the title harkens back to a blissed out, post-Beatles '70s sound. I could see myself pairing this, like a fine wine, with George Harrison’s “I Dig Love” in the earnestness of its delivery, tone and style (although it’s quite a bit less haunting and horny).
When I did actually play it on the radio, it led off a run with Emitt Rhodes’ “Somebody Made For Me.” Rhodes was a musician dubbed the “one-man Beatles” for his technical prowess and songwriting, so you can see where I’m going with this. (The next track I played was “This Will Be Our Year” by the Zombies).
Tyler Ballgame floats effortlessly over the music without sounding like he’s in another world, adding on to the “the whole band in the same room” sound aesthetic of the era he’s celebrating.
Everything is mixed wonderfully, including the infectious earworm of a chorus: “I believe in love and that’s fine.”
There is a darker lyrical undertone here as much of it sounds like falling asleep on a blanket in a lush garden on a beautiful day. Tyler Ballgame is declaring his belief in love even in the face of defeat. The next line? “Was it so naive to think it wanted me alive?”
There’s a long run up before we get to hear the entire album from Ballgame and his label. We won’t hear his full debut “For The First Time, Again” on Rough Trade Records until January 30th of next year.
But if it follows the formula that “I Believe In Love” has carved out, it’s a record worth waiting for.
