4x****
Though as lo-fi as lo-fi can be, the writing and feel supporting these songs can't be faulted. Opening "How Many Times"**** takes the gentlest elements of Velvet Underground and melodies of Nick Drake, and crafts a dreamy groove with a gently floating bass line. There is absolutely nothing flashy or ground-breaking about "Going South"**** but this ode to escape is perfect as it is. "Penguins"**** like "How Many Times" has the perfect combination of melody and groove. "Petunia"**** has a bit more of the mystery, and the way each verse trails off is jarring, but only in a good way. Even the non-stand-out tracks have essential and memorable parts, like the keyboard in "Pet Snake" and the Beat Happening simplicity and multiple vocals in "Take A Break". Speaking of vocals, they are consistently the weak link, though who knows if a more polished recording would have been as effective if spontaneity was sacrificed.
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