Mysteries Of Life
Come Clean
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Mysteries Of Life
Come Clean
RCA, 1998
RiYL: Antenna, Velvet Underground, Uvula/Fabric, Matthew Sweet, Blake Babies |
The Mysteries Of Life's second full-length, Come Clean is a pastoral set of midwestern pop songs that goes well with tea and sunshine. The tunes chug along with a plaintive Velvet Underground-ish blend of rhythm and melody, without the dark undertones. Frontman Jake Smith's favorite tones are more like beige and comfort.
The album has a very welcoming feel, like an invitation for a drive in the countryside. The clean but unassuming production gives the impression of being in Smith's Bloomington, Ind., living room, taking in a few tunes on the couch. As a follow-up to the band's major-label debut, Keep A Secret, Come Clean is an honest statement that can appeal to rock fans without ever really getting in their face. It works well on either headphones or the car stereo.
Founder and former Blake Baby Freda Love's steady drumming, often with soft brushes or mallets and with very few cymbals, provides the roots of the album's consistent sound. But the songs grow into varied patterns, from the slow, chugging confessional of the title track to the infectious, jagged tempo of "All Caught Up" to the inspirational cover of Otis Redding's "That's How Strong My Love Is". On the final track, "Southdowns," a soothing cello and acoustic guitar back Smith singing about driving "a little out of my way.." and out into the country.
This album exudes relaxation, and will massage any tension or nervousness right out of you. It's about time you took it easy, anyway.
TROY CARPENTER | Troy Carpenter founded NATN from a Chicago apartment during the ambitious winter of 1998 with co-conspirators Ben French and Jonathan Cohen. After a five-year stint in New York, he and wife Lourdes have recently relocated to Indianapolis, where he spends days listening to music and nights in the kitchen at Elements restaurant. Musical heroes: Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Super Furry Animals. What else makes life worth living: Sushi, Phucty, runs in the park, and the Atlanta Braves.