Taughtme

Laugh On Me

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Laugh On Me

This 5th album from the Oakland artist Taughtme welcomes a handful of players, including the instrumentalist Ulfur Hansson, where the subject matter goes back to childhood and a Mormon upbringing that left plenty of inner conflict in its wake.

The soft buzzing of “(Invitation)” begins the listen with much warmth thanks to Gyða Valtýsdóttir’s sophisticated cello, and this segues into the very pretty “Laugh On Me”, where Tom Monger’s harp and Piero Perelli’s drums add much to the dreamy, baroque ideas.

Halfway through, Robert Shelton’s cautious keys and Michael Sempert’s glowing pedal steel populate the pop nods of the cozy “Cuddle”, while “Shutter Up” benefits much from Doug Stewart’s bouncy bass and Andrew Maguire’s calm drums for the intimate and hazy album highlight.

“My Beautiful Friends” and “Sorry Maybe” exit the listen, where the former is a soulful moment that showcases Úlfur Hansson’s synth prowess amid Michelle Moeller’s graceful piano, and the latter layers some of the best singing against gorgeous acoustic guitar.

Although the themes present surround sorting through deep seated guilt, the music is quite lovely, as Blake Aaron Henderson (aka TaughtMe) mashes art, pop, indie and chamber ideas with much creativity and care.

Travels well with: Charlie Risso- Alive; Baby Fire- A Year Of Grace

Anders Buaas

The Witches Of Finnmark

Apollon, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Witches Of Finnmark

A re-release of his 2017 debut solo album, Anders Buaas pens an instrumental, prog-rock fueled listen that surrounds the witch trials and persecutions in Finnmark in the 16th and 17th century.

“Mystic Mist”, the shortest song on the record, starts the listen with warm, reflective guitar paired with a gentle, ambient background, and the title track follows with dense, pounding moments that are heavy on drums alongside waves of calm beauty.

“Gand” and “Bitter Wings” occupy the middle spot, where the former swirls with both plugged and unplugged guitars making for mysterious melodies and a firm buzzing, while the latter relies much on the rich and meticulous guitar playing that can chug with intensity and cautiousness.

The last track, “Til Ungdommen”, finishes with a distinct dreaminess that comes with cinematic qualities and well timed drumming for the dynamic album highlight.

Buass has an impressive resume that includes being a touring guitarist for Paul Di’Anno (Iron Maiden) and Tim Ripper Owens (Judas Priest), and his solo work is certainly some of the most creative and progressive sounds that exist today, as evidenced by this strong first album.

Travels well with: Pixie Ninja- Hypnagogia; Strange Horizon- Skur 14

Audrey Silver

Oklahoma

Messy House, 2023

8/10

Listen to Oklahoma

The flutist and vocalist Audrey Silver turns in a jazz version of the musical, Oklahoma, and she’s got an all star cast along for the 10 well thought out interpretations.

The dreamy title track opens the listen with Adda Kridler’s elegant violin and Kaya Bryla’s stirring viola complementing the pretty Native American flute, and “Many A New Day” follows with Silver’s bright vocals amid Bruce Barth’s warm piano and Peter Bernstein’s fluid guitar lines.

In the middle, “The Surrey With The Fringe On Top” is an upbeat and melodic album highlight that makes great use of Kahlil Kwame Bell’s lively percussion, while “Out Of My Dreams” brings back the emotive strings, where Adam Kolker’s cozy bass clarinet suits the absorbing vocals from Silver.

“Boys And Girls Like You And Me” and a reprise version of the title track exit the listen, where the former is populated by light keys and guitar accenting the poetic singing, and the latter employs gorgeous vocals and rich instrumentation for the glowing finish.

This is Silver’s 5th album as leader, and the fresh coat of paint on old songs allows for waltzes, straight ahead jazz and chamber textures that are as timeless as the musical itself.

Travels well with: Debbie Spring- Tocamos; Hannah Gill- Everybody Loves A Lover

Paola Prestini/Mark Campbell

Edward Tulane

VIA, 2023

9/10

Listen to Edward Tulane

A groundbreaking performance, Edward Tulane was the first work by a woman commissioned as part of Minnesota Opera's New Works Initiative, and it presents the music of Paola Prestini and the libretto of Mark Campbell in two acts, where the story illuminates the talents of Jack Swanson, Zulimar López-Hernández, Brian Vu, Zachary James, Elise Quagliata, Jeremiah Sanders, Benjamin Sieverding, Victoria Vargas, Jasmine Habersham, Keely Futterer, Danielle Beckvermit, Nicholas Davis, Lisa Marie Rogali, Christian Sanders, and conductor Lidiya Yankovskaya.

The listen opens with the flowing and animated strings that eventually brings in the baritone, tenor and soprano voices for the expressive and gripping storytelling that can retreat to calmer moments of beauty.

Further into Act 1, the low vocals of “Scene 8” are met with the lively soprano singing, as the music finds gentle areas to reside, and “Scene 11” finishes with a distinct dreaminess that embraces soaring vocals and intimate song craft.

The back half of the listen begins with the soft and emotive interaction between the players, where the strong baritones won’t go unappreciated, and it isn’t long until the cinematic qualities of “Scene 5” emit much warmth and playfulness. “Scene 9”then exits with a brief but glowing display of meticulous songwriting and eloquent storytelling.

A project that is based on the novel by Kate DiCamillo and tells the story about finding one’s way home, Swanson’s tenor vocals are extremely rich and delivered flawlessly, and the excellent cast surrounding him make for an incredible performance.

Travels well with: Kavita Shah- Cape Verdean Blues; Plínio Fernandes- Bacheando

Pixie & The Partygrass Boys

The Chicken Coop Vol. 1

Americana Vibes, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Chicken Coop Vol. 1

The Salt Lake City bluegrass rockers Pixie & The Partygrass Boys turn in a covers album, and it takes a look back at their ski bum days, when house parties comprised their live shows and the diversity sure is welcomed, as are the guest players.

The excellent string fueled interpretation of the ‘80s smash, “Take On Me”, opens the listen with Katia Racine’s soaring vocals alongside Amanda Grapes Dellinger’s warm fiddle, and “Gimme Shelter” follows with Andy Hall’s dobro adding much beauty to the rhythmic and very agile climate.

In the middle, “Don’t Leave Me This Way” features Ann Phung’s flute alongside the soulful and expressive delivery, while “Psycho Killer” makes great use of Ben Weiss’ mandolin and Andrew Nelson’s guitar amid Racine’s firm versus soft singing.

Further along, “The Bad Touch” is an intimate moment that benefits much from Zach Downes’ strategic bass that complements the vocal acrobatics, and “We Like To Party” exits with a festive landscape of group vocals and dynamic string interaction that emits plenty of melody and timeless bluegrass flavor.

Whether you’re a fan of bluegrass or not seems irrelevant here, as these classics radiate so much creativity via their distinct rebirth, they will be globally appreciated. However, if you are a fan of bluegrass, well, you’ll need to hear this.

Travels well with: Andy Hall- Squareneck Soul; The Sweet Lillies- Equality

Andy Hall

Squareneck Soul

Americana Vibes, 2023

9/10

Listen to Squareneck Soul

A multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who plays in the always exceptional outfit The Infamous Stringdusters, this debut from Andy Hall brings us 10 instrumental bluegrass tunes that take help from Billy Strings, among other top notch players.

“Up In Bigfoot Country” opens the listen with Travis Book’s glowing bass alongside Sierra Hull’s picked mandolin in the warm bluegrass climate, and “Skunk Weed” follows with Bryan Sutton’s fluid guitar guiding the rich display.

At the halfway point, “Red Road Station” benefits much from Wes Corbitt’s meticulous banjo that suits the rhythmic landscape, while “Event Horizon” employs Ronnie McCoury’s skilled mandolin prowess that helps the moutain-esque melodies unfold in the album’s best.

The last 2 tracks don’t disappoint either, where the title track a bare and dreamy delivery, and “Crooked Mountain Top” exits with the strings, bass and guitar interacting with swift dynamics and timeless bluegrass nods that we could never tire of.

A listen that parallels the greatness of his full band work, Hall’s slide guitar album that’s 15 years in the making is a picking masterpiece that bluegrass fans will be smitten with.

Travels well with: The Sweet Lillies- Equality; Damn Tall Buildings- Sleeping Dogs

Caitlin Edwards/Daniel Schlosberg

Mere Mortals

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Mere Mortals

Caitlin Edwards and Daniel Schlosberg bring their violin and piano to these 5 rich and precise pieces by 5 different composers who all exhibit much poise.

Irene Britton Smith’s “Sonata For Violin And Piano” opens the listen with Edwards’ glowing strings and Schlosberg’s dancing keys making for much warmth, and “Sonata Variation”, by Jonathan Bailey Holland, follows with a very eloquent presence of beauty and intimacy.

The halfway spot belongs to Ethel Smyth’s “Sonata For Violin And Piano”, where the stirring violin and animated keys emit a dreamy climate, while “Sonata For Violin And Piano” rumbles with a charming intensity via the flowing keys and poetic strings in the David Baker original. The final track, Ahmed Alabaca’s “Mere Mortals”, blends the instruments into a reflective and harmonic tone of dynamic song craft.

A timeless chamber effort that showcases so much inimitable skill, the duo work together with a chemistry that you can’t not admire.

Travels well with: Joanna Estelle- Transmutation; Randy Bauer- dis/entanglements

Trapeze

Level Crossing

Circum-Disc, 2023

8/10

Listen to Level Crossing

A quartet from Germany, Switzerland and France, Trapeze’s roots go back to December 2022 at a residency in Lille, and the shared interest in improvisation and free jazz led to these 6 creative tracks.

“A Nap In The Drawer” opens the listen with Matthias Müller’s carefully manipulated trombone alongside plenty of random noises amid Sakina Abdou’s playful saxophone, and “Driving Lesson” follows with the bright brass and Peter Orins’ well timed drums for the unique textures.

The middle belongs to the strategic droning of the title track, where the blurry brass is met with cinematic qualities, while “Trapeze” emits warm sax and plenty of adventurous drumming for the busy, dynamic delivery. The last track, “A New Bike By Parcel”, finishes with a glitchy appeal, where Joke Lanz’s turntable prowess is greatly appreciated and mixes with the thumping drums and unpredictable horns in the 14+ minutes.

A highly innovative listen that’s as unconventional as it is intriguing, the quartet put a very experimental twist on jazz ideas with fascinating results.

Travels well with: Léon Aphar and Ivann Cruz- Alphar’s Cave; Peter Orins- Dead Dead Gang

Bear, Man Dangerous

American War

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to American War

The Seattle outfit Bear, Man Dangerous, brings along Tamara Davis, Levi Fuller, Adam King and David Thomas for this lengthy and diverse track that you could never actually classify.

After a bit of mysterious atmosphere opens the listen, King’s agile drums and shimmering guitar enters with plenty of hazy post-rock ideas. The expressive vocals aren’t far behind, where Thomas’ chunky bass complements the thick moments of harder moments amid the gentle ebbs.

At over 9 minutes, the track touches on shoegaze, post-punk, stoner-rock and psychedelic bits, and will certainly impress those with an affinity for legends like The Jesus Lizard, Unwound, or even late period Sparta.

Travels well with: Bear, Man Dangerous- Unofficial Coworker; New Age Healers- Debris

Joanna Estelle

Transmutation

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Transmutation

The inimitable composer Joanna Estelle sees their work in the very capable hands of some trios, orchestras, singing groups and it illuminates vulnerable, personal and reflective ideas.

The listen opens with the Trio Casals and “Faraway Star”, where Anna Kislitsyna’s twinkling keys are met with stirring strings, and “Appassionato Variations” continues with the Trio Casals presence, as Alexandr Kislitsyn’s violin and Ovidiu Marinescu’s cello create a very poetic climate amid the flowing piano.

The last contribution from Trio Casals is “Fatherland”, which allows the intimate keys to radiate alongside the absorbing strings, while “I Am My Home” recruits the London Symphony Orchestra for the richly layered interaction that’s heartfelt, poetic and benefits from Ovidiu Marinescu’s solo cello.

The final piece, “Пісні з небесах [Pisnyyj z nebesach]”, has the Ewashko Singers displaying their harmonic and dreamy voices with much grace, where Grayson Nesbitt’s tenor solos won’t go unnoticed.

A record that embraces all the timeless hallmarks of orchestral and chamber sounds, Estelle’s vision is handled with much care and attention via these highly memorable tracks.

Travels well with: Randy Bauer- dis/entanglements; Kenneth Thompkins- Compelling Portraits

Jeremy Monteiro

Sings

Jazznote, 2023

8/10

Listen to Sings

The pianist and Singapore’s ‘King of Swing’, Jeremy Monteiro, has 46 years of playing music under his belt, and this first full vocal album finds him in the company of Tony Lakatos, Wesley Gehring, Jens Bunge, Ben Poh and Hong Chanutr Techatananan.

The cozy and soulful “Candy” opens the listen with Monteiro’s smooth voice alongside Gehring’s warm guitar and Lakatos’ lovely sax, and “Smile” follows with elegant strings providing a dreamy backdrop amid Poh’s soft bass and the heartfelt singing.

The middle tracks belong to “Moon River” and “Blame It On My Youth”, where the former recruits Bunge’s spirited harmonica that complements Monteiro’s eloquent pipes, while the latter exhibits much tenderness that suits the intimate vocals and emotive keys thanks to Monteiro.

Moving towards the end, “Walkin My Baby Back Home” is an upbeat and frisky moment that makes great use of Techatananan’s fluid drumming, and “Softly As I Leave You” exits with a romantic and powerful finish of soaring strings and poetic singing.

This is Monteiro’s 47th recording, and let’s hope it's not his only with vocals, cause his take on these classics and the lone original sure to do sound great thanks to his inviting singing.

Travels well with: Jim Self- Touch And Go; Grant Geissman- Blooz

Laurie Berkner

Buzz Buzz

Kidz Bop, 2023

8/10

Listen to Buzz Buzz

The legendary kids’ artist Laurie Berkner is celebrating the 25 year anniversary of her classic record, Buzz Buzz, and to celebrate the occasion she’s treating us to a special edition that even includes the first ever vinyl pressing of the listen.

The energetic and playful “I Really Love To Dance” opens the listen with Berkner’s cozy voice alongside warm guitar and fiddle, and “The Pretzel Score” follows with glowing vocal harmonies that also inject talking to the sounds of animals, too.

In the middle, the twang bits of “Monster Boogie” complement the swift acoustic guitar, while “The Cookie Bakers Of The Night” recruits well timed keys for the yummy wordplay. “Magic Box”, one of the album’s best, then presents some gorgeous singing amid the intimate strings and dreamy climate.

At the end, “Erie Canal” benefits much from bouncy bass lines that complement the vivid storytelling, and “I Had A Friend” finishes with a quirky folk tune that uses young voices and plenty of upbeat melodies.

If you missed this the first time, this is a great reissue of songs for the whole family, and was the starting point for one of the most impactful careers in kids’ music.

Travels well with: Chandrika Tandon- Ammu’s Treasures; Susie Tallman- Let’s All Sing

Søren Bebe Trio

Here Now

From Out Here, 2023

9/10

Listen to Here Now

The Copenhagen pianist Søren Bebe has made quite a name for himself in the Scandinavian jazz scene, and here with Kasper Tagel and Knut Finsrud he pens a 7th album of songs that surround gratitude and simplicity.

The title track gets the listen off to a soft and cozy start, where the poetic keys are met with Finsrud’s light drums, and “Tangeri” follows with much attention to mood via the precise piano and Tagel’s subtle but effective bass lines.

“Misha” arrives at the halfway point and emits flowing piano alongside the agile drums, while “folksy (To Jan)” is a highly melodic and upbeat album highlight.

“Summer” and “On And On” exit the listen, where the former relies on firmer drumming and a distinct breeziness, and the latter focuses on Bebe’s fluid piano prowess for the intimate and cautious finish.

A record that takes inspiration from heroes like Tord Gustavsen, Espen Eriksen, Misha Alperin and Jan Johansson, Bebe’s recent relocation to a small village in Denmark provided the impetus for the introspective, groove filled and often melancholic moments of this detailed effort.

Travels well with: Tobie Medland- The Aviary; Paulo Almeida- Oferenda

Randy Bauer

dis/entanglements

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Dis/entanglements

The composer Randy Bauer pens a pair of large-scale piano works that came to life during the pandemic fueled isolation, where the strained and raw emotions present run parallel with that specific period, and it welcomes Clipper Erickson’s skilled piano.

The 4 movements of “Piano Sonato no. 1- Above The River” opens the listen with a distinct rumbling that segues into very meticulous progressions of both firm and light techniques. Deeper portions emit much warm melody, and at the end the rich key manipulation is both dizzying and inviting.

The back half belongs to the 3 chapters of “Piano Sonato no. 2- Brighter Dreams”, where a cinematic aspect unfolds with swift finger acrobatics that are nothing short of mesmerizing. The final installment of this piece, “Flying Higher”, then emits more intimate ideas via the emotive delivery and strong attention to mood.

A body of work that explores elation as well as tension, Erickson’s execution is stunning, and Bauer’s vision captures this difficult time with much insight and poise.

Travels well with: Lock & Key III; Kenneth Thompkins- Compelling Portraits

Various Artists

Lock & Key III

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Lock & Key III

The Lock & Key series continues with a 3rd installment, where a brand new roster of artists have their work fleshed out by a pair of ensembles and both duo and trio settings.

“Holckenhavn Quartet”, by Ray Fahrner, opens the listen with the Brno Contemporary Orchestra’s stirring string interaction, where Lukáš Mik and Barbara Tolarová’s precise violins playing won’t go unnoticed, and “Trolls” follows with Rane Moore’s clarinet and Mike Williams’ marimba populating the unique textures of the dreamy, expressive climate of the William Toutant piece.

In the middle, Malcolm Dedman’s “Joy Of Union” is solo clarinet effort, where Rane Moore handles the wind with very playful gestures, while “2020: Danse Macabre” employs the Juventas New Music Ensemble for a particularly cinematic delivery that rumbles with intrigue and warmth thanks to Timothy Paek’s cello and Lu Yu’s viola that illuminates Michael Lee’s vision.

Landing near the end, Robyn Jacob’s “Fluctus” meshes Jacob’s piano, Peggy Lee’s cello and Francois Houle’s clarinet for an intimate and exploratory album highlight, and “Key Fragments”, by Timothy Kramer, is the 2nd solo clarinet moment, where the tension and space is manipulated with much mood.

A listen that spans turmoil, introspection, meditation, and even unity in the human experience, there exists incredible depth and authenticity in these very insightful arrangements.

Travels well with: Kenneth Thompkins- Compelling Portraits; Christina Rusnak- Voices Of The Land

Constantine Alexander

Firetet

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Firetet

The trumpet/flugelhorn wizard Constantine Alexander brings along Roy McGrath, Julius Tucker, Greg Essig and Ben Dillinger for these 7 swinging and soulful tunes that tip their hat to legends like Clifford Brown, Nicholas Payton and Sean Jones.

The lively and dynamic “The Show” starts the listen with the bright brass and frisky drums from Essig making for an energetic jazz climate, and “IDKY” follows with a calmer pace of warm textures via McGrath’s soulful sax and Tucker’s elegant keys.

“Waltzin’ Long” and “Frequent Flyer” arrive in the middle, where the former offers a dreamy delivery of melodic progressions, while the latter bops and shakes with an infectious demeanor that benefits much from Alexander’s animated trumpet and Dillinger’s frisky acoustic bass.

The final track, “Deez”, is an intimate moment of twinkling keys, light drums and strong attention to mood before erupting into swift brass and meticulous bass plucking for the roaring, free jazz finish.

A listen that’s full of sublime balladry and exciting bursts of modern jazz prowess, Alexander’s debut is not to be missed for fans of hardbop sounds.

Travels well with: Joe Wittman- Trio Works Sol; Todd Mosby- Land Of Enchantment

Joe Wittman

Trio Works Sol

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Trio Works

The esteemed guitarist Joe Wittman is joined by Daniel Duke and Keith Balla for these live, organic, spontaneous songs that never shy away from grooves.

The lively climate of “The Judge” opens the listen wth Balla’s frisky drums suiting Wittman’s glowing and quick guitar playing, and “Big Sip Riser” follows with a calmer pace that uses Duke’s rumbling bass amid the crisp drums and meticulous guitar lines.

The middle track belongs to the infectious energy of the dynamic “Isiah Restored”, while “Felon Wind” is a more intimate moment of dreamy melodies that are executed with much warmth.

“Born To Be Blue” and “Boogie For Bloomfield” exit the listen, where the former is both cautious and adventurous, and the latter embraces plenty of funk appeal from the animated guitar and punchy drums.

Wittman and company have played hundreds of gigs in the last decade in New York City, and that’s more than made them ready for this debut that came pretty naturally for the trio and will be sure to strike a chord with anyone who enjoys hardbop, jazz guitar and bluesy, swingin’ ideas.

Travels well with: Todd Mosby- Land Of Enchantment; Jack Jones- Artwork

Ross Cooper

Lightning Heart

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Lightning Heart

The musician and rodeo cowboy Ross Cooper embraces his Texas roots and cowboy spirit with these folk, Americana and country fueled songs about his hometown, his family, his wife and what he values most.

The very elegant title track opens with Cooper’s warm voice alongside Brian Cox’s light drums that suit the dreaminess, and “Gone Are The Days” follows with Alex Cordell’s glowing pedal steel adding much beauty to the crisp climate.

Deeper into the listen, the rhythmic “Waiting For Me” makes great use of Mike Dunton’s electric guitar amid the flowing melodies, while “Chicago” is a highly intimate and poetic display of cautious and pretty singing that floats with a stirring demeanor.

Landing near the end, the bouncy and playful “Sleeping With A Stranger” benefits much from Ray Akers’ skilled bass that complements Cooper’s smooth vocals, and “Bluestem” exits with a bare quality of timeless folk songwriting.

Cooper has a history in the city of Lubbock, and that, combined with his interest in horses and ability to tell a heartfelt story, makes for a very unique and welcoming version of rodeo rock.

Travels well with: Darling West- Cosmos; Grace Morrison- Maybe Modern

Datarock

Media Consumption Pyramid

Apollon/YAP, 2023

9/10

Listen to Media Consumption Pyramid

The Norwegian electronica wizards Datarock return with 7 members from their core group for these 11 lively tracks that continue their globally appreciated version of disco-punk.

“Armadillo Pt. II” opens the listen with no lack of beats guiding the synth-rock ideas and expressive singing from Fredrik Saroea, and “Heart Shaped Circle” follows with a dense energy that touches on post-punk amid the thumping drums.

Further along, “DISCOBedience” comes with plenty of atmosphere before segueing into a dance floor ready spirit of melodic and rich haze, while “Video Store” buzzes with some New Wave nods that complement the dreamy versus firm moments.

Arriving near the end, ‘Digital Life” uses the bright synth and playful percussive ideas with much creativity, and “Armadillo Pt. I” exits with a soulful quality that adds another dimension to the band’s diverse formula.

In addition to Saroea, this version of Datarock includes the bassists Ketil Mosnes and Thomas Larssen, Casio-operator Stig Narve Brunstad, keyboardist/saxophonist Kjetil Møster, and drummers/percussionists Øyvind Solheim and Tarjei Strøm. Together, they mesh indie-rock, alt-rock and animated electronica into a record that’s as memorable as their red jump suits.

Travels well with: Pixie Ninja-Hypnagogia; Heatwaves- Kappa

The Mommyheads

Bingham’s Hole

Self-Released, 2019

10/10

Listen to Bingham’s Head

If you’re like me, you weren’t playing close enough attention to The Mommyheads during their early years (late ‘80 to mid ‘90s). Thankfully, I was in the minority, and the indie-pop darlings went on to influence legions of outfits with a handful of seminal albums that sound just as good today as they did two decades ago.

Here we see their 1995 album, Bingham’s Hole, remixed and remastered for its 25 year anniversary. A pivotal record where the band expanded their horizons into avenues, it would ultimately get them signed to a major label.

“Only Star” starts the album with jangly and pop friendly strumming and creative New Wave nods, and the title track follows with a strong power-pop aspect they made their name on.

In the middle, “Needmore PA” brings a cautious moment of twinkling beauty where their version of prog-rock offers haunting keys and tense guitars, while “Broken And Glazed” delivers some funk amid a groove filled affair. One of the album’s best, “Fragrant Rosa”, then moves with sophisticated textures and mild jazz influences amid their pop sensibilities.

Deeper cuts bring us the angular “Pig In A Blanket”, where subtle alt-rock is present and appreciated, and the ballad “Cora” illustrates the softer, no less interesting angle of The Mommyheads. “Lead Balloon” ends the listen introspective and calm, where reserved skill flows with a timeless delivery.

Often considered their best work to date, Bingham’s Hole unfortunately didn’t reach enough ears in the mid ‘90s, probably cause the world was being fed too much pop-punk via the mainstream’s fascination with Green Day. The Mommyheads, however, were taking cues from XTC and the Raspberries with an eclectic pop spirit that make this reissue absolutely an essential piece to the glorious, albeit underappreciated sounds of the ‘90s.

Travels well with: Pinback- Blue Screen Life; Velocity Girl- Copacetic