Search - Trouble With Sweeney :: Play Karen & Others

Sweeney Hotel Foxtrot?

06/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Trouble With Sweeney, a little known but deserving indie-folk band, return with their third release which prompts one to ask the question: why another release so soon? Last years "Dear Life" was an enjoyable treat, with a sound that can perhaps best be described as Wilco and Elliot Smith combined and signed to the Elephant 6 label, but why another EP so soon?The only answer that I can think of is that these songs are so damn good they had to release them right away. If one is to believe the comparisons between Wilco and the Trouble With Sweeney (and one should; although Sweeney thankfully lacks the twang of alt-country bands, the vocals often recall Jeff Tweedy at his most energetic and vulnerable) then this is certainly Sweeney's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. This is the same catchy pop with a song-writing emphasis found on Dear Life, only much more interesting. These layered songs are both lush (gently supported by keyboards and flutes) and energetic, as they pick up at exactly the right times, making for interesting (and consequently repeated) listens.Dear Life was a quality album, but never prepared us for a release this good. Don't be surprised if, at then end of the year when looking at the obligatory lists of best albums, right above Yankee Hotel Foxtrot you find The Trouble With Sweeney Play Karen and Others. Honestly, these songs are that good."