World’s Greatest Ghosts: No Magic

Unlike many releases, World’s Greatest Ghosts debut LP No Magic accurately describes what to expect in the album’s title. The lack of magic shouldn’t be blamed so much on the music, though. This four-piece definitely kicks solid, upbeat tunes with intricate guitar noodling and spiraling keyboards in the vein of Les Savy Fav or fellow Northwesterners, Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band. The magic disappears for these earnest popsters in its vocals and lyrics that are worthy of a high-school notebook and nothing else. This review will now conclude with a question to demonstrate with sound reason the mediocre rating this release has received.

Which lyric is not found on World’s Greatest Ghosts debut LP No Magic but rather comes from a Wham! song?

A. “All the signs said, “Do not enter / There’s a monster at the center.”

B. “Call me a pessimist / The days to come are looking bleaker / Give me something to say / I’ll spray it through my loud speaker.”

C. “Why do you have to be so cruel? / You’re such a fool.”

D. “Hold Tight! / The lies shine too bright.”