If it were a cookbook, then Angus could justify his top billing. Instead, listening to this album leaves me wondering, “Where’s the beef?”
There’s nothing wrong with this slightly upbeat, marginally catchy collection of folk not named Nick. “Mango Tree” is as good a song as any. The increased tempo partway through the song makes it quite listenable.
The better songs feature Julia’s singing. I know, you’re shocked that I would say that. But “Private Lawns” not only features great pipes, the lyrics are actually intelligent and fun. It really is a package deal. This is the direction we all wanted Jewel to go in, but instead she decided to stiff the Alaska state fair, and the rest is history.
“The Beast” is not about Anthony Forrette’s old Cadillac. It’s a chipper number that wastes no time burrowing itself in your heart like a maggot on a corpse. “Paper Aeroplane” has the same beat as “O Baby” by Siouxsie and the Banshees.
“Hollywood” brings to mind The Innocence Mission. There is nothing wrong Angus’ voice. “Just a Boy” in fact does a great job of mixing his voice with the accompaniment. But Julia simply overpowers any track she has lead vox in.
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