Rainer Maria

Item: A Better Version of Me
Author: Tom Bastian

A Better Version of Me

(2001)

Reviewed by Tom Bastian

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Label Polyvinyl Record CompanyDecapolis2001

emo indie rock

Rainer Maria delivers their best album to date. Caithlin's (bass and female lead vocals) vocals are at an all-time best with this release and the music is the most creative the band has produced. With each release we seem to hear less of Kyle (the guitarist and male vocalist for the band), which I kind of see as a bad thing. I liked when the band used to mix it up more going from male to female shared lead vocals. Although Kyle is featured on the song, "The Contents of Lincoln's Pockets", one of the standout tracks on this release.

The lyrics this time around seem to be very thoughtful and well written. Dealing with what seems to be a few spiritual issues, which I was happily surprised to hear. For instance on the song, "Ceremony" Caithlin sings "The body has got to be worth saving", and on "Save My Skin" she sings "I'll find a way to save my skin. That precious way it holds me in reminds you of holy days you once believed in. Please don't stop.....Tried to mention all my sins but I didn't know where to begin. Should I forget them? Or should I let them begin again?

Fans of Rainer Maria will want to be sure to add this release to their collection. For those of you who are not already fans of the band try to get your hands on a few of their songs and see for yourself if this is up your alley. Rainer Maria is definitely a band worth giving some attention to.

B-