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Choice Cuts: March 2002

© Adam McKibbin

Artist: Knotworking

Album: Notes Left Out

The Scoop: A favorite in the Albany music scene, Knotworking returns with a follow-up to their acclaimed self-titled debut. Edward Gorch is the creative force, supported by the guitar work of Michael Hotter and a revolving cast of other bandmates. Gorch is a keen lyricist who doesn't shy away from the darker corners of the human condition. His songs seep in a little deeper with each listen.

Highlight Track: On "Imbecile Smile," Gorch brings to mind a latter-day, slightly jaded Cat Stevens. As with the rest of the album, there's not a whole lot going on musically...which is just fine. There's no clutter to distract from Gorch's voice and words. "Imbecile Smile" quietly builds to a rousing, lo-fi climax.

Honorable Mention: "Lawn Plastic Santa" is a touching song, steeped in the tradition of folk-storytelling, about a childhood mired in poverty.

For More Info: Visit http://www.knotworking.net or listen to "Imbecile Smile" and "Lawn Plastic Santa" at http://www.cdbaby.com/knotworking

Artist: Chris Lee

Album: Chris Lee plays & sings torch'd songs, charivari hymns & oriki blue-marches

The Scoop: Lee's sophomore album is a continued embrace of both his affecting falsetto and the tried-and-true pop songs that serve his voice best. He used to run with more of an avant garde crowd, but Chris Lee plays... is a straight pop album...or what Billboard Top 40 aficionados would probably call "indie pop." The oft-made Jeff Buckley comparison is a useful one in terms of what to expect from style and mood. Lee doesn't quite have Buckley's full weaponry, nor does he engage in the bombastic styling that was the late singer's trademark (for better or worse).

Highlight Track: "Slow as the Sun" is one of those gems that we're glad to have Lee writing. To steal a line from a Chicago scribe, it's the kind of song that's imbued with "effortless grace."

Honorable Mention: "In Yellow Moonlight"

For More Info: http://www.smellslikerecords.com

Artist: Tiger Saw

Album: Blessed are the Trials We Will Find

The Scoop: A somberly soothing album about the in-between periods of love. Dylan Metrano's fragile lyrics ask plenty of questions (the most indicative one being "Carefree, are you still in love with me?"). Juliet Nelson harmonizes with him, giving Tiger Saw a pleasant, familiar sound that reminds at times of Ida and Cowboy Junkies.

Highlight Track: The instrumentals "Dreaming of Leaving" and "Aili" are...well, it's hard not to use the over-used word "lovely." And yet painful at the same time. Tiger Saw seamlessly blend strings (cello, viola) into their songs, giving them a weightier (and, in this case, more mournful) feel. Not a new formula, perhaps, but definitely a working one when done this well.