Dr. Dog is a Philadelphia five-piece with an affinity for ’60s-era pop (think The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Band). That affinity is the bane of those who complain that the group confuses inspiration with imitation, but a thrill to fans who relish its signature three-part harmonies, cascading keyboards, and general jubilance. The fans have it right, though: What Dr. Dog lacks in dizzying experimentalism, it more than makes up for with tight, bright compositions like those featured on the band’s fifth album, 2008’s Fate.
Updated 06/18/2009