2x****
Trying to recapture the fragile nature of Big Star Third through muddy production and noise just didn't work in this homage to early rock n roll. Opening "Baron Of Love, Part II" manages to harness some chaotic sounds, but by the end the song's monotony and muddy ad-libbed vocals make it easily forgotten. "My Rival" successfully covers some crappy guitar with a heavy beat and noises. On "Hey Little Child" and "Hook Or Crook" at least sound like a songs, as the pretentious and noise are minimized. The title song**** alone somewhat captures the shambolic flavor of Big Star "Third" that is obviously the goal of all the noise, while effectively suggesting a familiar melody. The deliberate sloppiness ruins most of the other songs, especially traditional bluegrass cover "No More The Moon..." and 50s pop cover "Boogie Shoes", like tunelessness is avant garde, or more straightforward retro-stylized tracks like "I've Had It" and "Waltz Across Texas". "Baby Doll"**** is murmured over a subtle blues shuffle, and while the noise returns, at least the song gets to breathe a bit before it does. And at least the closing instrumental "Dateless Night" is relatively tight.
Trying to recapture the fragile nature of Big Star Third through muddy production and noise just didn't work in this homage to early rock n roll. Opening "Baron Of Love, Part II" manages to harness some chaotic sounds, but by the end the song's monotony and muddy ad-libbed vocals make it easily forgotten. "My Rival" successfully covers some crappy guitar with a heavy beat and noises. On "Hey Little Child" and "Hook Or Crook" at least sound like a songs, as the pretentious and noise are minimized. The title song**** alone somewhat captures the shambolic flavor of Big Star "Third" that is obviously the goal of all the noise, while effectively suggesting a familiar melody. The deliberate sloppiness ruins most of the other songs, especially traditional bluegrass cover "No More The Moon..." and 50s pop cover "Boogie Shoes", like tunelessness is avant garde, or more straightforward retro-stylized tracks like "I've Had It" and "Waltz Across Texas". "Baby Doll"**** is murmured over a subtle blues shuffle, and while the noise returns, at least the song gets to breathe a bit before it does. And at least the closing instrumental "Dateless Night" is relatively tight.
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