Edie Brickell And New Bohemians - Hunter And The Dog Star (Thirty Tigers)

Since the release of their debut album in 1988 Edie Brickell and New Bohemians have crossed all genres and it really is hard to pigeonhole the band. This fifth studio album contains an electric mix of styles - with one thing in common - memorable songs.

The album starts off with 'Sleeve' (apparently about the addiction of getting tattoos) a track that could be an early Suzanne Vega song before one of the best tracks on the album - 'Don’t Get In The Bed Dirty' which has the funk of a Prince track.

The album seems to be a set of two halves; by the time we get to track seven, 'Horse’s Mouth' goes all country and western sounding like an old Johnny Cash song!

'I Found You' is built around a simple drum pattern with a melody that weaves into your subconscious. 'Miracles' is a wistful ballad with a vibe very much like 'Albatross' from Fleetwood Mac - the simple guitar line draws you in. The band seem to have a knack of letting the listener conjure up images to go with their music, the track runs into 'Evidence' which continues in that psychedelic phase.

The 11 track album finishes up with 'My Power' - an upbeat number almost sung in falsetto fashion against a guitar riff with a touch of The Beatles in their latter stages.

Hopefully when conditions allow the band will be able to tour again as these tracks will sound great in a live environment.



I rate the album 3 out of 5.