This came out in 2002 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Why Dean Wareham and Luna don’t rule the world — or at least the indie airwaves and album charts — is beyond me.
It certainly isn’t for lack of street cred; after all, singer-guitarist Wareham cut his teeth in legendary dream-popsters Galaxie 500. It can’t be for want of talent; Wareham has a set of seductively dusty pipes and a way with a lush pop melody and a wry lyric, while his bandmates rock with the gently woozy edge of The Velvet Underground. And it sure ain’t for lack of material; the criminally overlooked outfit have put out seven exemplary albums, culminating in Romantica, their crowning achievement. These dozen poignant, intoxicating entreaties offer all the tender mercies, rainy-day vibes and ba-bup-ba backup vocals of a Starsailor, Travis or Coldplay, but without the pity-party attitude and wimpy performances. All in all, it’s easy to fall under Romantica’s spell. All you have to do is lie back, close your eyes and enjoy.
