Lambchop – What Another Man Spills (1998)
This was a cheap purchase from Harborough Market a couple of weeks ago, continuing my frugal examination of the Lambchop back catalogue. My first grumble about this one is the CD packaging, while the tracing paper biro sketch of what appears to be a sex orgy (one side too graphic for Discogs to show), unless it gives some basic details about the album, it's style over function.
This album seems a bit heavier in country and western themes than previous albums, alongside a few more upbeat songs, instrumentals, as well as a couple of covers. As stated, the album doesn't have any song titles on it, so I've had to look them up, irritating me more than it should.
We kick off just fine, Interrupted is a lovely, gentle opener, followed by a couple of forgettable country themed songs. The first cover is Curtis Mayfield's, Give Me Your Love, mostly instrumental, bright and enjoyable with bass and guitar work reminiscent of Khruangbin, and following a couple more slow, turgid plods, N.O. is a welcome upbeat tune. There's an interesting cover of the Frederick Knight hit I've Been Lonely For So Long, but I wouldn't say it's an upgrade on the original. The album ends with a couple of livelier numbers, the instrumental Theme From The Neil Miller Show being the closing highlight.
If you're taken with Kurt Wagner's voice and delivery, you'll enjoy this, but I'm beginning to feel it's 'more of the same' despite more instrumentals and covers than previous albums. There's plenty to enjoy here, but not much to inspire.
3* - a mix of the Lambchop you'd expect with some livelier bits, and mixed results
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