Shield Of Thorns

Shawn Smiths second studio full-length might well have been his most instantly enjoyable up to that point in his career, at least in terms of its musical immediacy and directness. It was hardly the case that his other acts couldnt be similarly involving, but something about his solo forays served his impulses to create a never-never land of classic rock and soul that should have been all over some radio station constantly, somewhere. "Leaving California," the steadily grooving opening track, serves almost as a general statement of purpose, lyrics urging the listener to take to the road and whatever it might provide, while the combination of his singing and music is far more in line with Bill Withers and Dobie Gray than any lingering impression of what a Seattle-based performer is "supposed" to sound like. Tauter, snarling rockers like the title track reconfirm his continuing love of Prince, while "Sing That Song for Beauty," Mellotron strings and all, shows he really should soundtrack movies more, especially the conclusion of big but slightly wounded romances. On that note, "Wrapped in My Memory" -- like "Leaving California," later to get some after-the-fact attention via an appearance in a Sopranos episode -- is almost his own version of a tearjerking glam ballad thanks to his descending piano part on the chorus and a woozy sense of late-night singalong. "Golden Age," the most explosive song on the album, takes what seems like a pat enough approach of quieter verses and louder choruses and makes it seem world-crushing; if anything could rival a band like the Afghan Whigs at their height, why not something from a performer who had guested on that bands Black Love? ~ Ned Raggett