reviews in the vein of tuesday

king biscuit time - Black Gold: Steve Mason formerly of "hey, watch me sell five copies of" the beta band offers up his first solo disc. Beta fans rejoice, because this does not stray far from the beta sound. In fact, it's more stripped down than the last beta release, almost harking back to the E.P. days. Me dig, dig?

elf power - Back to the Web: Athens-based Elephant 6 cronies are back with their 8th album. I've picked up a handful of the elf's collection over the years, but this one grabs me the most so far. My interest in the wee elves has suddenly been rekindled. Perhpas it's partly due to some of their Elephant 6 cohorts' contributions, such as The Late BP Helium on bass, and OTC's john fernadez on violin & clarinet. Eerily reminiscent of certain latter-day r.e.m. ventures, but refreshingly void of that trademark voice we all either love or hate. Keebler power has got me hooked.

built to spill - You In Reverse: First studio album in 5 years, this leaked way back in december, but was riddled with "who is mike jones" samples, making for an agonizing listen at best. I'm still not sure if it's just coincidence that of all the random things that could have peppered this leak was the mike jones bit that me & robert decided would be a hoot to holler all throughout mike johnson's opening set for b2s back in september. Coupled with the lack of colorado dates on this next tour, it seems beyond coincidental, almost conspiratory actually. That being neither here nor there, most of these songs were debuted periodically during the past three years of incessant touring, which was one thing fans could be thankful for during the 'album hiatus' we had to endure. Oh, I complain, but I also gush - completely worth the wait. Built to thrill!

black heart procession - The Spell: Another gloomily enchanting release. Unfortunately, the heartbreak has worn a bit thin over the years since the brilliant triumverant of albums, 1, 2, and 3. The Procession realized this on their somewhat sunnier release, Amore del Tropico, but seem to be treading water here. I am glad to see 'the waiter' series continue, however, and will likely throw this on the next time I experience some disappointing matters of the heart.

-whoa may be me-