Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Our esteemed editor was once slightly miffed at Over The Rhine describing their music as "post nuclear, pseudo-alternative, folk-tinged art pop" with lyrics that are "so literate they read more like the kind of poetry one normally reads on hand-made-paper private editions." Well, actually, dear reader, he is not far wrong. On this latest release, funded by advance payment from many dedicated Rhinesters, we hear all of the afore-mentioned traits in abundance. The presentation is beautiful, the liner notes illuminating, the lyrics thought provoking, and the music is Over The Rhine reborn. The need for advance funding was to take Karin Bergquist and Linford Detweiler out to the west coast to record with producer Joe Henry whose fresh ears have somehow captured and distilled the magic that those of us who have followed Over The Rhine have always known was there. This is Over The Rhine in mellow, unplugged form with some curious combinations of instruments allowing the songs to shine. Patrick Warren's pump organ, Levon Henry's tenor saxophone, and David Piltch's bass all add to the ambience but, as ever, it is Karin's voice that soars and shimmers like we always knew she could. Oh, and Lucinda Williams drops by as well to add some of her own magic to Linford's "Undamned". If you have ever enjoyed anything by Over The Rhine please make the effort to track this one down and if you have yet to take the plunge, late is better than never.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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