The only thing more exhausting than listening to Rats in Heaven is trying in vain to classify it in the context of other music. The broad range of instruments used, from standards like guitars and drums to the ones collecting dust in a storage shed (Irish flute and penny whistle!), doesn't even come close to the range of lyrical content. Singer Jeff Suffering is the indie version of Counting Crows front man Adam Duritz, painting pictures with exquisite storytelling and vocals that bleed with emotion. But with that explained, the real question is not whether the band is talented (they are), but simply, "Are the songs enjoyable?" To the casual listener, probably not. While some sound like drunken bar anthems from the 1800s ("There is a Fountain Filled With Blood"), others are just mentally taxing. "Souvenir" is over nine minutes long, and the version of "Amazing Grace" that ends the collection is 11-plus minutes! It takes an extremely open mind to recognize the unorthodox genius in this album. There is not one track that is fast-paced, and listening to it while driving is the equivalent of driving drunk. It is simply entrancing, haunting, creepy, terrible and beautiful. Confused yet? Try listening to it. It will be the most interesting 57 minutes of your day.
Editors' ratings — Doug 2.5/5, David 2.5/5
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2004Reviewed by Len NashThis CD is weird; weird music, weird themes, bold, VERY BOLD. Somehow this CD makes the lighthearted queasy. The music is folk-ish, alt-ish, borderline experimental rock. I am not familiar with this band's music, so it can't be compared to their older stuff. This music seems inviting, but turn one's back and it'll kick the butt with music and lyrics that'll open eyes wide. It warns, it shows, it…Similar sounding releases
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