Free MP3: The Morning Benders' "Excuses": Bringing Back That Golden Wall Of Sound

Jason McDonald

The Morning Benders will play the Crocodile on April 2.

Berkeley's the Morning Benders set out to make a throwback track modeled after Phil Spector's Wall of Sound, and boy, did they succeed. "Excuses," the opening song off the quartet's forthcoming Big Echo, layers brightly strummed acoustic guitars, swooning strings, and vocal harmonies that will thrill any of you Zombies fans - listen for the a cappella doo-wop break midway through. The magic of "Excuses" owes a lot to its exquisite production by Grizzly Bear's Chris Taylor. It's lulling, romantic, and sunny - just right for the warmed-up days of spring that are almost upon us.

Download the free mp3 here.