The Lackloves

On their third album The Beat And The Time, The Lackloves continue to do what they do best, which is to deliver the kind of jangly psychedelic pop that will whet the appetites, as well as wet the pants, of fans of the genre. The slightly pinched lead vocals of Mike Jarvis will greatly remind listeners of Mitch Easter, and songs like 'The Radio's Mine' will certainly call to mind Let's Active. 'Still Missing You' is closest in form and spirit to Jarvis' former band, the beloved Blow Pops, 'Never Gonna Fall,' and 'Don't Leave Me Now' are particularly Mersey-inspired, 'Excuse Me, Use Me' dips into the glitter bin, and 'Nowhere Near Here' is the album's most psychedelic, with a generous portion of wah wah and bent notes. The closer, 'Know You Now' is a tender ballad that recalls early Big Star. This fine album proves that Jarvis has not lost even one ounce of his Midas touch.

David Bash
- Shingdig! Magazine

...In short, these twelve songs of The Beat and the Time are a real aural treat, and they get better with repeated listens. The Lackloves have built upon their previous sound, adding yet more harmonies and even more guitar (with truly stellar work from lead guitarist Don Moore). Mike Jarvis remains a fine pop tunesmith, and has that great Lennon-ish voice. If you liked that classic Britpop era sound way back when, chances are you'll enjoy the latest update on those sounds from the Lackloves.
— 13 May 2004
by Gary Glauber - Popmatters

The Lackloves popped up on the radar in the late 90s fronted by singer/songwriter Mike Jarvis. Jarvis was no stranger to the catchy, musical drug mixture of pop, rock, and psych. He had been ring-leader of the critically acclaimed - and short lived - band The Blow Pops.

The Lackloves picked up the pieces of the sadly missed Pops and add a new level of maturity to the sound. Eventually, Jarvis would be joined with Blow Pop alumni Jack Rice on bass, along with Don Moore on lead guitar and Tommy D on drums. At this point The Lackloves have really perfected their vintage sound, and they come off as a band with talent and sincerity, versus some Johnny Come Lately who spent more time on their authentic-look wardrobe than writing good songs.

The Beat and the Time is The Lackloves third release and second on the insanely roster-impressive Rainbow Quartz Records. After the first listen, there was a strong feeling of familiarity, and that “Haven’t I heard some of these songs before?” The wafts of The Byrds, The Beatles, solo John Lennon, Elvis Costello, and Big Star are definitely coming out of The Lackloves’ kitchen.

For my money, I don’t think The Beat and the Time puts its best foot forward. I found that I really dug the tracks later in the disc compared to the first couple. “Do You Love Someone” comes out rocking and has a nice addition of a cool vocal effect. If these guys opened up for the Flaming Lips, it would be no surprise.

The next song, “Excuse Me, Use Me,” start’s off like it could be off of Kiss’ Rock and Roll Over, and then there's a NY Dolls-like chorus. This song also showcases The Lackloves ability to piece together a certain sound with the verse and switch to a different one with the chorus. Like how their “Still Missing You” comes out of the gate like Elvis Costello and the chorus is so totally The Byrds.

“Don't Leave Me Now” is a great poppy number that makes you want to hit the gas and roll the windows down. The closing song is the mellow “Know You Now.” Throughout the song, I couldn’t stop thinking of John Lennon’s “Woman” and that somehow he was being channeled in and singing to Yoko. However, we definitely would have know it was John if he asked her why she was being so stingy with all his dough, and she should cough up some more money to Julian.
- Delusions of Adequacy, Frank Bridges, October 2004