A pseudo side project of an ex-Sicko (Seattle punk) musician, Tales from the Birdbath is underground pop at its best. Paying tribute to the city and music scene that inspired the project, Baron Von Birdbath opens with the more-hooks-than-handles Olympia—lauding the "college where you don't get grades," mocking the "pet parade(s)" and "veggie special(s)," and offering the all-too-familiar commentary, "it's a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to stay." Definitely pep with bite, and the smart romp keeps your head bobbing with An Average Day, through the heroic misadventures of Scooter Boy, and all the way out with the sentimental Do You Recall? The only criticism to bring up is that there is not an abundance of variety in the melodies (A Really Big Fan stands out as a definite departure, with chunky electric guitar and an alt-rock digression). Reminiscent of early REM, though, the overall songwriting and vibe are top notch, with masked poignancy and feigned innocence. Short, imagination driving songs, almost qualifying as ditties, this is a great album for lonely days and early mornings.
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