Band: Vivian Girls
Release: 4/2011
Label: Polyvinyl

1. “The Other Girls” – B-
2. “Heard You Say” – B
3. “Dance (If You Wanna) – B-
4. “Lake House” – B-
5. “Trying to Pretend” – B
6. “Sixteen Ways” – B
7. “Take It As It Comes” – B+
8. “Vanishing of Time” – B
9. “Death” – B
10. “Light In Your Eyes” – B

Comments: I’ll begin by saying I much prefer other Vivian Girls releases to this one. Most, if not all, of the songs on here lack in excitement or spark. Both Kickball Katy (La Sera) and Cassie Ramone (The Babies) released non-VG records this year, but I won’t be quick to say this one sounds rushed. At its heart, its typical Vivian Girls fare with a few more twists and turns. Songs like “Take It As It Comes” and “Death” start with talking intros — an old school maneuver. The former is real good (I note the lead guitar and background vocals as aspects I enjoy) while the other is good, but isn’t really distinguishable. The production on Share the Joy is the Vivian Girls best to date, but some of the stand alone vocals, song clutter, and repetitiveness of sound take away from what this could have been. I’m more of a Babies guy, anyway.

Grade: B- (83)