"Long lost outtake from Rubber Soul or Revolver"
Reviewer: Aaron Archer - Las Vegas CityLife www.lvcitylife.com
By its very definition, "pop music" means "that which is currently popular among the listening demographic," particularly teenagers with Mom and Dad's disposable income at the ready. When talking to a true fan of music both past and present, however, the term means something altogether different. It calls to mind the sterling, mini-symphonies of such luminaries as the Beatles, the Beach Boys, R.E.M. and a deluge of other bands who set the template for this genre back in the '60s. California Son, by local quintet Tripsitter, is unabashedly pop in every sense of the word, and makes no apologies for being utterly anachronistic in the modern age of plastic-fantastic sampled pap. It's also simply stunning to find a release by a local act that doesn't come across as gauche and could easily stand up to the quality and scrutiny of a band from any top regional scene. The Las Vegas group's love for the majesty of Brian Wilson and Lennon and McCartney is evident from the first press of the play button. The 13-track disc's "Intro" offers stellar, five-part vocal harmonies that set the stage for the band's core sound. "Let Me Know You" is a slice of pure pop majesty that sounds like a long lost outtake from Rubber Soul or Revolver. Driving piano lines reminiscent of the Fab Four's "Drive My Car" propel a sweetly ascending chorus melody. The bouncy title track adds a pinch of minor-key melancholy, recalling the piano pop of Elton John or Ben Folds. For an independent local release, the quality of the production is surprisingly lustrous, with the densely packed harmonies dominating the mix. The songwriting of vocalist/keyboardist Jeff Celentano and vocalist/bassist Jon Celentano displays all the hallmarks of their heroes without coming off as mere pastiche.

"Pint-sized symphonies"
Reviewer: Geoff Carter-Las Vegas Weekly
Tripsitter's Jeff and Jon Celentano have pitched their tent between 10cc and Gerry Rafferty, with the High Llamas and Grant Lee Phillips, and for their sake I sure hope someone notices. These times aren't particularly friendly to Tripsitter's brand of 1960's and 70's styled pop, the successes of Ben Folds and John Mayer notwithstanding, and while I can imagine talking Steely Dan with these fellows until Jimmy Carter comes home, I can also imagine a crowd of emo brats talking over their entire set. The music tips the odds in their favor. "Tripsitter" is one of the best-produced records I've ever heard come out of a Vegas band. The songs are layered with smooth harmonies and have backgrounds deeper than the Pacific; these are not so much pop songs as pint-sized symphonies, rich with color and emotion. The Celentano's obviously adore Brian Wilson-they cover "Love and Mercy" as an unlisted bonus track-and they do well by him, perhaps too well. None of this matters, however, when you're deep in "Tripsitter". The record quite literally speaks for itself; it is exactly what it seems to be. If Tripsitter isn't to become a Big Thing, it's only because popular music today is too damn small.

"Simply perfect pop"
Reviewer: www.beachboys.com
If I had my way, the Beach Boys would have retired in oh, say, 1974, and instead of foisting 15 Big Ones on an unsuspecting public, would have just soaked up some rays, done some surfing, and then once they'd all unwound a little bit, they could've put out an album like California Son, which is the finest, sunniest, most California sounding CD I've heard in a long, long time. Listening to this album brought back powerful memories of the West coast, with all the easy, laid-back effervescence that living in the Sunshine State evokes. Tripsitter have perfectly captured the good vibrations of the California Mythos, and personally have more than a few resemblances to the Beach Boys: a five-piece band, containing two brothers, and some simpatico friends who obviously share a love of harmony singing, they write their own music, play their own instruments, and weave a spell-binding magic in their music. They're not shy of acknowledging their progenitors either: they incorporate an acappella "Intro" and "Outro" which opens and closes the album in "Our Prayer"-like manner, or interpolate parts of "When I Grow Up To Be A Man" into the title track; or the "'Til I Die" vibes found on the instrumental "Wavestrumental" (love the title); or by doing their own vocal sampling of the harmony tag of "Be Here In The Morning" on "Last September." But these artists aren't Beach Boys clones - they're far more relaxed, and their influences also seemingly incorporate The Eagles, The Beatles, and The Carpenters, but not in overt ways - the album just breathes out a sweet, peaceful feeling, and alternately incorporates jazz, blues, or folk influences with remarkable fluidity. Other songs that trip my wires: "Transformation", "On and On", and the post-"Outro" benediction "Just A Little". Simply perfect pop. Check this album out at CDBaby, Tower Records, and be sure to stop by their website and say hi. Meanwhile, I'm going to play this disc over again and hope they have plans to catch a second wave of sweet, California music.

"Impeccably crafted California pop"
Reviewer: Josh Bell - Las Vegas Weekly www.lasvegasweekly.com
Beach Boys-obsessed local popsters Tripsitter return with their second disc, a sunny, light collection of layered pop tunes befitting its title. Brothers Jeff and Jon Celentano write mostly catchy songs in the vein of '60s and '70s California pop, and while their sound is derivative, it's impeccably crafted and worth a listen if you need something to wash down that Smile reissue with.

"Tripsitter is the ticket"
Reviewer: Aly Walansky- Culturedose.net (click for website)
Tripsitter is actually one of many awesome bands I have accidentally discovered while wandering around MySpace. Their CD, California Son, absolutely blew me away - piano-pop that blends 60s beach pop with a quasi-80s-new-wave sound, complete with catchy vocals, this is exactly the sort of music I've always loved. Chances are it will remind you of bands ranging from Coldplay to the Beach Boys to Ben Folds, but also is similar stylistically to some of my favorite indie bands, such as Spiraling and Shadow Box. Tripsitter is based on the West Coast, and their sound is undeniably surfer pop - beautifully produced and superbly executed. If it's stunning arrangements and beguiling melodies you crave -- Tripsitter is the ticket.

"unlike any other modern band out there"
Laurie Biagini
Tripsitter - California Son

I must say that ever since this album arrived in the mail, I've been playing it non-stop. It's THAT good. The songs are very well-written, with beautiful melodies that are catchy and addictive. The smooth, flowing vocals with flawless harmonies pull you in with no chance of escape (not that one would want to!). The instrumental backing also is extremely interesting on its own and each of the players gets his own chance to shine. I'm extremely impressed by this band. Perhaps it is because their music takes all the best elements from the greats of the past and combines them into one perfect package and ends up with a product that is unlike any other modern band out there.

1. Intro - Gorgeous, full harmonies slowly bring you into this album with a psychodelic flair

2. Let Me Know You - Bright, optimistic romantic little tune, upbeat and catchy. Guitars and piano are prominent stars in the backing track. Beautiful vocals and harmony.

3. Banana Split - This song lyrically is quite funny and lighthearted. Has a good rockin' tempo with a little funky edge to it, all smoothed together with gorgeous harmonies.

4. Transformation - My favorite track on the album. This song has one of the most beautiful melodies I've ever heard. I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it. Nice contrast between smooth keyboards and guitar distortion. The acoustic guitar also adds a little spanish flair. The mood of this song creates the feeling of drifting on a cloud. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

5. California Son - An instant hit. Bright and upbeat, with a smooth, dreamy chorus. Instumentation is excellent. Gorgeous layered vocals with angelic harmonies woven throughout.

6. Wavestumental - Brilliant little instrumental featuring liquid-like vibes, a very sexy saxophone leading the melody. The feeling from this song is that of being on the water, in a tropical locale on a calm day, with not a care in the world. Very pretty.

7. Last September - Stunning waltz with a melody that carries you on a wonderful journey. Tempo change in the bridge creates an interesting interlude, and then returns back to waltz style. I especially love the vocal harmonies in the ending of the song, as it reminds me very much of the stylings of the Beach Boys.

8. There Goes the Sun - A beautiful waltz, very soft, romantic and dreamy. Wonderful showcase of piano and full harmonies with a beautiful guitar bridge. I love the chord progressions in this song.

9. Positively Thomas - A fun song with some interesting tempo transitions. Piano is wonderful in this one. Mood is humorous.

10. Divine - Slow and romantic, this song sounds like it is being transmitted from another realm. The chorus has some 'divine' harmonies.

11. On and On - Funky little number with some killer piano and some cool chord progressions. The melody and tempo of this song create a mood that is very fitting to the lyrics.

12. Outro - Beautiful little vocal fade out showcasing some impeccable harmonies.

13. Just a Little - Sweet ballad with gorgeous piano flourishes. This song just oozes romance. Beautiful lead vocal.

"Imagine the Beatles crossing over with the Beach Boys."
Reviewed by Talon Karrde- G-Pop.net

The very first track of California Son by Tripsitter is a perfect outline for what the rest of the album has in store for its listeners. Intro is a harmonic blending of the voices of each member of the band – Jeff Celentano, Jon Celentano, Rusty Petersen, Jared Dalley and Matt Bennett. The harmony and the music take us back to the days of the Beach Boys. With that very first track, which has no lyrics to speak of, the listener envisions pure white sand beaches with a crystal blue ocean lapping at the shore.

With each successive track, California Son reveals the major influences behind each of Tripsitter’s band members. Imagine the Beatles crossing over with the Beach Boys. Terrific harmonies, soothing sounds, and well-thought out lyrics lie within each of the tracks, with the exception of Intro, Outro, and Wavestrumental, which are all instrumental. Play these songs for any member of the 60s and 70s generation and they will swear that this group originated at that time. They would be amazed to discover that California Son was produced in 2004.

The harmonic voices combined with the music provide an aesthetically soothing sound. The Tripsitter’s music is not in tune with the times and that’s what makes their album so enjoyable. Different from the bands we hear daily on major radio stations, Tripsitter is a band that every generation can enjoy. California Son has something for everyone – love ballads, self-discovery songs, fun tunes, and more.

One particularly enjoyable track is Positively Thomas, a funny song that tells a story and leaves the listener with an important fact about life. Thomas has never really shown anyone who he is. His entire life he has been keeping secrets. As the song goes on, Thomas hides more and more secrets – in the closet, under the mattress, and the worst…hidden in the basement! Thus, never revealing himself to anyone, Thomas is doomed to live a lonely life surrounded by his overflowing secrets. The song is bouncy and fun and extremely catchy. By the end of the track, you’re singing along and chuckling at Thomas’ silliness.

It’s easy to understand why Tripsitter has a tremendous fan base, which includes actor Dennis Quaid and members of the Beach Boys. Once you hear a few tracks of the album California Son, you’ll be hooked. This CD is a must buy!