Pre-order William Starr Busbee’s College Rock II on 12″ Vinyl
College Rock II Out February 17th, 2015
William Starr Busbee’s debut album has been a long time in the works, but the light is finally here as College Rock II is set to release digitally and on vinyl February 17 via Fork and Spoon Records. College Rock II excels in its variety, an album which comes off both clever and calculated as Busbee empties his closet of songs, most of which had only been heard at house shows and on live recordings.
“Girl” contrasts sharply with the crooning synth-rock ballad “Forever” which made its internet debut almost a year ago. Tracked in Busbee’s house in Columbia, SC, College Rock II is hi-fi enough to let his lyrics and charisma shine, but not totally abandoning his lo-fi background. This album is a headphone listen for sure, taking a keen ear and focused listen to catch the detailed construction of each song and Busbee’s witty lyrics.
On “Girl” Busbee takes a look inside himself and relationship questioning it all throughout. “Girl, don’t you recognize me?/Or has the new in me rubbed off?”— Busbee concludes the song with “My doubtlessness would drive me insane”. This self-awareness runs through the album not only in the lyrics, but in the music as well. Even the title College Rock II is sarcastic, as Busbee thrives on being tongue-in-cheek stylistically. Rather, he toes the line with wonderful balance.