All Things to You is a terrific album but it should come with a warning label.  No, not a parental advisory.  It should read something like the following.  “WARNING: This CD contains very infectious songs.  You may find yourself humming or singing any number of the songs on this album.”

The Cucumbers put their hooks into the listener immediately and have a very (pardon the pun) cool sound.  They combine power pop, melodious ballads as well as some sounds of the 60s.  The album kicks off with two gems “Right Here, Right Now” and “Whiskey.”  Both of these songs are reminiscent of Velocity Girl and for the record, “Whiskey” is one of those songs that you might find lodged in your brain.  They follow up those two songs with “Bad Attitude,” which reminds me a lot of Echobelly.  

Deena Shoshkes’ vocals remind me of Harriet Wheeler of The Sundays, particularly on “Bend Me Like a Willow,” “You Know It’s All Right,” and “The Warm Sound of Your Voice.  Jon Fried does a good job taking the lead vocals on a couple songs (“Happiness,”  “All Things to You” ), but I have to say I prefer Deena’s dreamy vocals.  

There are some things about this band that draw comparisons to Apples in Stereo as well.  First, they split the vocals between a male and female vocalist.  Secondly, both are heavily influenced by 60s music.  The Cucumbers dabble in some psychedelic sound in “Happiness” and “Look Out You.”  The final comparison to Apples in Stereo is that both bands can make bright, happy sounding music without seeming too treacly or saccharine.

This album is chock full of good songs, my favorite being “Bend Me Like a Willow.”  If you like any of the bands I mentioned, you should own this album.  I bet you won’t be able to listen to it just once and I also bet that the songs will play in your head long after the disc stops spinning.
 

• Visit the Official website.
• Listen to samples and Purchase this CD online

Fanspeak removed due to spam and abuse