BANDS:

Punk & Ska
80's New Wave/
Post-Punk/
College Bands
90's & Beyond
Virginia, North
Carolina, & DC

Cass McCombs:A
[Monitor]

Its been almost a year since I reviewed Cass McCombs EP, Not The Way, which had me looking forward to a full-length release.  That album, A (I assume 25 follow-up albums, B-Z are on the way?), has arrived by way of Baltimores Monitor Records.

The lazy, nostalgic, minimalist lament I remember from the EP is still in full-effect.  Cass owes a lot to the Velvet Underground, tips his hat to the Beatles, and cops his delivery from Neil Young.  Hes one of those singers who cant really sing, though in this genre, that sort of thing is almost an advantage. 

The only problem here is that the music is so laid back that it becomes background music, no matter how loud you play it.  By the end, you forget you were listening to music in the first place.  Plus, Cass and his band sound like they could all nod off at any minute.

Good effort, Mr. McCombs, but not as engaging as I would have liked.  Also, I think this would sound better on vinyl (and if I was a little more under the influence).  Hey, thats a good idea...  whered I put that whiskey?

This album can be purchased atAmazon,Insound, andCD Universe

LEFT OFF THE DIAL's Cass McCombs page

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