fakejazz.com

Prekop's first solo album gave him a chance to step away from The Sea and Cake framework, working with Jim O'Rourke instead of John McEntire to create a less processed, more jazz-centric sound. The album came right after The Fawn, where McEntire's production style had the most influence over the band, so it was a fitting and very successful diversion for Prekop. On Prekop's second solo album, Who's Your New Professor, he's trying to unlearn much of his recent work and create something new. Prekop says "I was consciously trying to get away from the Brazilian influence. It did seep in occasionally... This time around there seems to be a curious blues quality to many of the pieces which has never happened before." I can hear some of what he's talking about, but never does this really betray The Sea and Cake mantra. The music is decidedly less bubbly (perhaps saving that for the recent Target ad he added original music to). It is much less of a soul album, and much more of a quiet backporch album - that is if the extension cord is long enough to reach the porch, as McEntire participates in and hosts the recording, adding percussive and electronic flourishes. Maybe Prekop's "blues quality" can be heard in "Two Dedications," as the electric guitar creates a slow but steady pace for Prekop to use his unique and powerful voice to create a solemn tone. Or perhaps it's better heard in the guitar of "Dot Eye," which sounds Clapton-esque as it bursts into and out of the song, creating dark, sad colors that highly contrast Prekop's usual springtime hue. While the pop nature of the songs is more understated this time, when its allowed to peak through, it still works well. The wah guitar in "Little Bridges" creates a pseudo-funk groove on top of which Prekop lays a great vocal hook, singing "bomb of the century ba-ah-ah-ah-bomb." "C + F" is also a very successful pop song, with persistent hand clapping to accompany Prekop's vocal melody and the simple guitar chord changes. Like in this simple song, that Prekop voice is the key. Those addicted to Prekop's voice will find plenty more to enjoy here. Others might be better off waiting to see if Prekop's slight change in direction ever materializes into something more substantial.

Sam Prekop at Amazon & Insound