Old 97's

Kicking off in a big way with album opener "King of the World," the record hearkens back to the days of college rock in the late '80s when bands such as the Replacements and Soul Asylum were really at the top of their game, despite what sales reports might have said. Led by Rhett Miller's anthemic songwriting, the band tear their way through at least ten killer songs that will put a smile on the face of most roots rock fans instantly. Yet the production of the album is almost too slick for what the band is doing and it is easy to see these songs sounding much heavier live. The album might also be a few songs too long. A track such as "Bird In A Cage" would be better used as a B-side, but when it is followed up with the great combination of "Up The Devil's Play" and the should-be-radio-hit "What I Wouldn't Do," the song is pretty much forgotten about. Until the next time you play the record at least, because you will play this record again and again if you let it make its way into your CD player.