Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter (4 CDs EAC FLAC)

The albums are:
Oh, My Girl
Reckless Burning
Marble Son
Like, Love, Lust and the Open Halls of the Soul

I first heard of Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter thanks to the "Morning Becomes Eclectic" show on KCRW (over the Web). The song was "Troubled Soul" and it was a mesmerizing piece. In fact most of the songs here have a haunted quality to them that you can't shake. Tracks 2 through 6 are brilliant, especially the one two punch of "Troubled Soul" and "The Dreaming Dead".

The production is practically flawless. Phil Wandscher's electric guitar is so expressive, it's like a living, breathing entity. In fact, because of this my only quibble is that I wish that the acoustic guitar would be turned up a bit on a few of the tracks.

It seems to disappear in the mix.

Most of the previous reviews are spot on. I'd agree with the opinion that the album could use a couple of more numbers like "The Dreaming Dead" or "Tell the Boys", something with a little bounce to them. But overall the album works. It's artists like Jesse Sykes that confirm my belief that great music is out there if you just look hard enough. This is a perfect album to listen to in the evening or late night with the lights turned down or off (or a candle on or two) and a drink in hand. Enjoy