Idaho - Alas - 7.5

I got into Idaho late, mainly because I always saw them compared to boring bands. In 2002 I became I huge fan, mainly of the first two albums and the first half of the third one. Alas is only 30 minutes long, and lighter in subject matter than the first two, but still has moments of fragile menace and heavy beauty. One of the worst album covers in history though. Melissa Auf der Mar gives some backup vocals on "Jump Up" and "Run But You Ran," and some spoken word on "Yesterday's Unwinding," three of the best songs here. I kept wanting to dismiss this album, but it has a fascinating charm that can't be snuffed. (Buzz; www.idahomusic.com)

this review is/was posted at Cold Comfort
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