Weekends has strengths, it has flaws, but it also has the perfect balance between the two, which helps create the sense that it’s something kind of special. Things get off to a slow start on “Technicolor Blues” before exploding with “NW Thurman”, which sounds like an unhinged and rejuvenated Randy Newman at the helm of a powerpop band going full force. The influence of Newman turns out to be a persistent one. Every song is brute and unbridled in its honesty, no matter how ugly, and delivered with nothing but the utmost sincerity. While the lyrics may not quite be at Newman’s standard of brilliance, they’re nothing to scoff at either- nor is the music backing them. Throughout Weekends Whitman show flashes of brilliance but never sustain it. However, even when they show cracks, they fascinate. This is a record that’s worth a few listens.