Space Between
Contraphonic [2006]

"was a man who knew too much, with all his PhDs and stuff. all he did was whine and fuss - then one day he'd had enough"

Yeah - these are those really pretty offerings only a sugar sweet band could create and offer. Nothing "lesser" about it, The Lesser Birds of Paradise roll swiftly between the solid foundation of Bedhead / The New Year [though a few bpm on the plus side] and the later catalog of American Analog Set. Slow(ish), steady and seeded in an emotional landscape - the grand setting of agile lyrics and the intricate tone throughout win by large amounts on Space Between.

Never fear a track title like "So the Bear Wipes His Ass with the Rabbit" - the band may as well have labeled a cage housing infant church mice with "Beware: Attack Beasts". A mesmerizing blend of guitar, cello and trickled snare as the Paradise release "[and] the rabbit in the woods, really thinks it's pretty good / as a bear squats by the Oak - but we've all heard that joke". A wise man once said "take a sad song and make it better", and Tim Joyce's piano infused retake on album closer "You Are My Sunshine" rivals that of Grandaddy's live version(s).

Much to love here {birds, anyone?} - and much to fall in love by. As stated by unknown elders before me: "a sonic document to be buried in the hearts and minds of ageless listeners for years to come." But yes , Claire Danes - please do leave your so called nose alone. Thanks. This band sounds like they have been doing this for centuries - well. Do not let this be one of those unknown albums when the dawn of the year present folds - not a threat - more a faint cry to grasp what is obviously aching for your understanding. "If your candle burns blue - you can expect the worst"

Of extra note and swellness overall is the album artwork on show here - care of Lindsay Packer. Lovely - the complete package, it is.

kaleb, sadder :: [ July 06 ]