2008, Self-Released

In the first 60 seconds of The Going and the Gone, listeners might think they’ve put on Built to Spill, or maybe the Wallflowers, or maybe early Wilco.

That should sound appealing. The music feels inspired—not lifted—and the lyrics are catchy and unique—not forced or cliched. The good part of the 90s has clearly inspired The Rationales, although it’s arguable that the world is ready for retro from just over a decade ago.

It doesn’t matter. This kind of music was good and it still is. It’s fun, it’s danceable, and it generally feels good.

B+