a chamberful of sound trying to squeeze in. Upping the challenge still further,
Is a Woman sands down most of the embedded hooks that made their last album of new material,
Nixon, such a surprise. With repeated listens, what feels at first like unmelodic obduracy reveals some hidden charms. A groove will build up out of the sound of theremin whistles, or Wagner will toss out a vulgarity just to interrupt the preciousness he's compelled to create but also understands is kind of full of shit. The result is homey and livable -- life without coffee. Not your average pop pleasure; not your average band.
ERIC WEISBARD
(RS 891 - March 14, 2002)
Kurt Wagoner adds even more band members to Lambchop but uses most of them sparingly on this airy, piano-based ballad set. The arrangements' light touch don't mask the melancholy of the songs, which are highlighted by the beautiful "The New Cobweb of Summer" and the aching, only-my-dog-can-truly-see masterpiece "My Blue Wave.
