Snippets from the full review at www.ldsmusicnews.com - - -

The album includes some upbeat, BNL style contemporary songs ("Fly", "I'll Be the One", "Mr. Campbell"), moodier numbers ("Drive", "Path of Least Resistance", "These are the Days"), a jangly, mandolin-soaked Grateful Dead tinged anthem ("Down by the Riverside"), and a couple of very funny songs; "Lenny the Noodler", an ode to a legendary catfish and the man who lived to catch it, complete with Hee Haw harmonies, Snoopy on the jaw harp and a paraphrase of "Devil Went Down to Georgia"; and the disturbingly wise "Happy Little Duck", which is about a happy little duck who learns that well… some things should never meet. That's all I have to say about that. - - -

A little bit about one other song… "Better" is one of the best songs I've ever heard, and alone made this album a 'must have' for me. In the vein of Mike and Mechanics' "Living Years", this is about appreciating your parents while they're still around, and I think it even tops that song in terms of evoking the right images and also having an incredibly catchy hook. The arrangement is flowing and easy, with mandolin and harmonica offsetting the capoed guitar figure, and the last lyric verse is a real killer without being sappy. This song is Helen Hunt and I'm Jack Nicholson, in that it makes me want to be a better man. And if you know what I'm referring to, the feeling you had at that moment in that film is probably what you'll feel as the final verse of this song unfolds. It's really that good. - - -

There's a heck of a lot of good stuff here, and many good things, too, including several gems and one bonafide diamond in "Better". One thing that is so gratifying to hear is that every song has a hook, and oftentimes even the verses and bridges are very memorable. There's no doubt that Brad and Steve are top notch songwriters and a brilliant, witty and engaging team.
                            Read more...