Words by Brad Yeakel ( Opti Mystic Outlooks ) The future imagined in Back to the Future II has been eclipsed by reality’s calendar, and now Neal Francis is contributing to my case of time dysmorphia. Francis’ debut album, Changes , has slipped through a wormhole to capture the essence of the sunny 70’s. The songwriting, instrumentation, tone, vibe, and style are as vintage as vintage gets. This album is shag carpet, lava lamps, vinyl, and Saturday afternoons. “This Time” welcomes you like sunshine. I immediately felt the desire to bask in the warm glow of retro organ. The band swells as they introduce horns, a piano counterpart, tight drums, a round bass, and Neal’s vocal charm. His voice is pleasant, neighborly, and real as he delivers a promise to be a good man. He tops off the promise with a touch of doubt, “can you picture that?” The tune struts it’s groove for an extended outro, stretching a lead off single into a double. “She’s a Winner” steps to the plate with a casual...