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You Can't Hear it on the Radio is a blog about the current golden age of music. At no time since the 1960s has there been such an output of quality music by so many varied artists. Add to that technology that makes it easier than ever for the curious to find good music today. But, like an unlimited selection at an all-you-can-eat buffet, there's no table service. You will have to seek it out. The old model is dead. Generally speaking, you can't hear it on the radio. You can learn about it here, though.

As far as concept albums go, Cape Dory is pretty straight forward. From the opening song, "Take Me Somewhere", to tracks name dropping coastal destinations like Bimini Bay in the Bahamas, Baltimore, and South Carolina, Tennis' debut serves as a travel journal and a love letter to adventure and adventurousness. Pairing music and sailing turns out to be a savvy choice; both can transport you places; both can make you see the world and yourself in a different light.

There's a faux worldliness in Tennis' lyrics that belie more simple truths. They tick through some touristy sightseeing elements on "South Carolina" - cypress trees, coastal island chains, no-see-um bugs - as if to provide proof they've actually been there, but by the time they hit the chorus they are striking universal chords:

Musically, Tennis taps into - and puts their own stamp on - the same '60s girl group revival sound that found its way into so many recordings in 2010. Backed by swinging tempos and a guitar sound that evokes Caribbean steel drums, singer Alaina Moore's voice will lull you into thinking you know what she's up to. Then though, she kicks it into another register, like on the chorus of "Seafarer", and it's like a splash of saltwater coming over the bow. That's brisk, baby.

Maybe Tennis will go on to have a long, storied musical career, or maybe Cape Dory is a once in a lifetime affair. It doesn't matter for right now. There are clear skies above, a strong wind aft, and good times ahead. Sail on.

Rating: Really Good

--Steve

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