Lawrence.com

If you know Sam Billen, you could see this coming a mile away. The obsession with Magic 107.3FM, the J-Pop education obtained directly from the source, the Todd Rundgren LPs— it all adds up to Billen’s go-for-broke pop album “Headphones and Cellphones.”

The former co-frontman of Lawrence’s The Billions recorded his new album at home, immersing himself in fingertip orchestras and drum sequencers. It’s the perfect canvas for a songwriter who plays multiple instruments and constantly seeks out new sounds. Though his songwriting sensibility is more akin to Sufjan Stevens or the Postal Service, the pop production of “Headphones and Cellphones” invokes both ‘80s hits and modern R&B.; It’s often delivered with a knowing smirk, but one gets the sense that Billen is genuinely entranced by modern pop music. His plucky acoustic guitar is never far off, however, lending a folksy vibe to hot summer jams like “Bandaids.”

Billen and his big red beard joined us to give “Headphones and Cellphones” a spin and avow his love for soul music, synthesizers, and Surge cola.

Album Mp3s

Headphones and Cellphones

• "Photographs"
• "Daughters and Sons"

More

He'll celebrate the album's release with piñatas and salted/unsalted pretzels Friday night at Wonder Fair.