This, the latest release from NYC based Spinoza has been two years in the making. After listening to it a number of times over the last week all I can say is that it was well worth the wait. Nine of the tunes are penned by the group and the other two, "Stop And Stare" originally done by Harrod and Funck and the anonymous "Lakes Of Pontchartrain" are done exceptionally well. One of the first things that you notice about Spinoza are the picture perfect harmonies that Lee Kizer and Reid Maclean are able to pull off. The closest comparison that I can make is the first time that I heard McGuinn and Crosby singing together, it's just pure magic.
The music on the album varies from some extremely beautiful tunes like "Annie" or "State of Grace" to a side trip into funk called "My Best Behavior." There are a number of bands out there today that are for the most part local legends that need and deserve more national exposure. Spinoza is a group that falls into that category, these guys must be heard to be believed, they are great. Some of the songs are solo writing efforts by either Lee or Reid and these are gems. When these two guys write together though, it is just so sweet. On top of that, they are just as good live as they are on disc. There is a growing number of really important groups/artists coming out of New York City and Spinoza is one of the best. The project is self-produced and was recorded and mixed by group member Lee Kizer III. There is no lyric sheet, instead the band has chosen to include a brief story of why each song was either chosen or written. If you want to start off 2002 in the right way musically then get this album, better than that get a hold of these guys and bring them to your town for a concert.
5 tocks
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