Winterland

One of the finest practitioners of '60s-inflected pop, L.A.’s The Jigsaw Seen has mastered the art of re-creating the textures that gave much of that era's music its appeal. The group has paid tribute to Scott Walker, The Hollies, and The Bee Gees along the way, and that experience informs its own music. Tight harmonies that point up a song’s melody—plus guitars that jangle and trace the rhythm section—create tunes that stick. Winterland is, well, winter-themed, starting with the holiday-appreciative “What About Christmas?” where a Mellotron brings back memories of Christmas past. “Snow Angels of Pigtown” continues the icy theme, with chilly guitars circulating in the winter air. Gordon Lightfoot’s Christmas-themed “Circle of Steel” features a guest vocal from The Kinks’ Dave Davies. The band loses its grip with the wintry conditions as the band heads someplace warm for “Christmas Behind Me.” By “Dreams of Spring,” the members are clearly no longer living the idyllic winter. It's actually hilarious and brilliant that the band decides it can take no more of its own concept. The effusive joy of “Winterland’s Gone” is the perfect cap.