Review by LarryG
3 stars out of 4
The latest from the alt-rock semi-supergroup is another relaxed work
where the guys clearly had a good time and the listeners generally gets
to be in on the fun. The quality varies according to the contribution
of each of the writers but is generally high. As on their previous
record, Down By The Old Mainstream, the Jayhawks' Gary Louris has the
highest success rate. Jane and Jennifer Save Me are vivid, poignant
songs in the vein of the Jayhawks' brilliant 1997 record, Sound of Lies.
Louris also loosens up on two songs set in bars, the buoyant love song
Until You Came Along and the goofily overwrought If I Only Had a Car.
Soul Asylum's Dan Murphy gets strong support for his modest voice on
the rocking opener To Call My Own. As on Mainstream's highlight, V, the
non celebrity of the group, Kraig Johnson works well with Louris and has
a couple decent songs of his own. Jeff Tweedy seems to be saving his best
for Wilco. Most of his songs here are pleasant throwaways though All
The Same to Me is haunting.
Here's what others reviewers have to say:
"...TALES is a major step forward from their spotty debut....it's
full of country-pop gems." - Rating: A Entertainment Weekly
11/6/98, p.88
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