Neat Stripes
"The End of That" CD
Tell
Me Later Records
Genres:
Tell Me Later
PO Box 574
Athens GA 30603
Dec 1 - 7 2003 |
The
End of That is an album that defies classification. Instead
of sticking with one style, Neat Stripes have taken a wide
assortment of sounds and genres and mixed them together to make this
mixed platter of a record. The result is a bit disjointed, a bit
confounding, but overall a fun album made possible by what is
obviously a strong love of music.
The best songs here are sometimes the most unassuming.
"Caroline" at first seems like average 2:00 AM tavern fare,
but its laidback structure and sing-along chorus is undeniably
enjoyable. "Molly" is also a highlight, with its
slight Spanish influence, as is the similar "Some Say,"
which is a very fun, sing-along-style slab of cruise ship music.
Neat Stripes' style takes some getting used to, mainly
because it's so varied - but once you let it sink in, you'll be
hooked. Despite a few dull moments ("When You Leave",
hmm???), there's plenty to enjoy on The End of That - assuming
you've got an open mind.
84%
Matt Shimmer
[Vitals: 12 tracks, distributed by the
label, released 2002] |