The Telephone Numbers are a semi-supergroup, consisting of members from other SF psych pop bands like the Red, Pinks and Purples and the Umbrellas, revolving around bandleader Thomas Rubenstein. (Also credited are Anna Hillburg and Tony Molina, two locals who know their way around melody and a solid hook.)
With all that talent, the work could have been an explosion of sound; a little unfocused or divinely messy. But no, Scarecrow II is consistently enjoyable from beginning to end, a head-bopping, breath-of-fresh-air power-pop record that’s as jangly as any album from California should be. There are several ornamental flourishes—horns and strings on “Be Right Down” and “Pulling Punchlines,” some mournful effects on the beautiful “This Job is Killing Me”—but the whole thing feels expansive while maintaining relatively sparse production. Its simplicity doesn’t detract from its delight. This is one you’ll want to start over again as soon as it ends.
