Beechwood Sparks put out a brilliant single on Bomp! and then spoiled everything with a boring, shit-assed album of country-rock snoozers. Now, 3/4 of the band are back masquerading as The Tyde on this, their second album (the title picks up where their debut, Once, left off). Again, the fascination with Sweethearts of The Rodeo is apparent, but this time they tone down the boring, alt-country, lame-ericana in favor of pop psych trappings lifted off any number of Felt albums, particularly evident on "Crystal Canyons." (In fact, leader Darren Rademaker's fascination with Lawrence's pop genius is second only to Michael from Watoo Watoo, but since Americans are such damn xenophobes when it comes to their music, they've most likely never heard (of) this brilliant French band, so are left with this pale imitation.)
Problems abound on this poorly recorded sophomore effort (the overly distorted vocals on "Henry VII" and "Takes A Lot of Tryin'," which tries to come off like The Hives making a country and western album, render them nearly unintelligible), not the least of which is its total lack of originality. "Best Intentions" and "Breaking Up The Band" are pure, unabashed, tears-in-your-beers weepers with Radiohead pretensions; "Blood Brothers" cops its riff form an old Luna song, and "Shortboard City" is one of those honky tonk ditties that Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson used to toss off in their sleep.
There are a few ringers sprinkled throughout, however, that rescue the album from immediate dispersal to the cut-out bins. "Go Ask Your Dad" has an AM-radio-friendly melody that'll stick in your head for days; the cheesy, mock-80s synth slithering throughout the infectious "Memorable Moments" sounds like "In Between Days"-era Cure; and the closing "New D" is an obvious homage to Shellfish-era Church (not surprising since legendary L.A. scenester, Waddy Wachtel produced that one).
Overall, a pleasant listen to Rademaker's record collection that will be best appreciated by fans of the same bands.
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