All There Is

's is proof that one can be a tasteful guitarist working in the often-derided style and still be capable of making albums that are more than just sludge. Recorded in a simple small-group setting with no extraneous "special guests" around to muddy up the sound, unspools ten originals and tasteful covers (none of the tacky '70s AM attempts that marred 2001's ) in a relaxed style that never quite gets mellow in the pejorative sense. Clearly inspired by and 's work with , steers clear of the pitfalls endemic to that style, maintaining melodic interest while never merely playing prettily. Even the -influenced which flirts with -style - thanks to the utterly retro ARP synth line and cooing female vocals, maintains its integrity thanks to some trickily precise soloing by and a rhythm section that actually has a bit of to it. is not for those raised on a diet of , but there's a place for , and this does it better than most. ~ Stewart Mason