Charlemagne's Carl Johns describes the effect of a positive review in Pitchfork: "For better or worse, it makes you more legit in the eyes of many a fan these days."
So Johns wasn't complaining when the digital music magazine (www.pitchforkmedia.com) posted a review of Detour Allure - the local band's sophomore release - on March 22. The album won a solid 7.0 rating and flattering comments like, "Carl Johns makes the kind of power pop that takes me back to a time I'm not sure ever existed."
"Detour Allure rings with an abundance of sharp melodies and quick tempos, arranged with a minimum of fuss," wrote Joe Tangari.
The review will make the 2006 short list of Madison mentions in the most influential circles of the national music press. It will push Charlemagne's already rising star to loftier heights.
Johns takes it all in with his signature steadiness. "Unless you get over 8.0 and get in their Best New Music section, I don't think it works any miracles. Certainly it doesn't hurt, though. I got a bunch of myspace friends requests shortly thereafter."
