Editorial Reviews Music Review:
Music Review
Boris the Spider [Live] [Import]
From Darkness to Light: An Advent Procession
Global Underground - London (Limited Edition Longbox)
Gilbert & Sullivan - The Mikado / WNO · Mackerras
Amazon.com
Not many indie bands make it to album eight, much less put in an effort. Fortunately for listeners, the Seattle-based trio Silkworm has the moxie to stick around and keep releasing pop-ego, emo-id rock tunes. Lifestyle gets off to a rough start, threatening to crash under the dead weight of its plodding opening track, "Contempt." But they regain their mojo on the second cut, the infectious Guided by Voices-like "Slave Wages." It's also closer to the spirit of the rest of Lifestyle, which divides its time between simple, killer indie rock hooks and sullen numbers that recall the solo work of former Silkworm member Joel R.L. Phelps. On the pop side, "Treat the New Guy Right," "Raging Bull," and a cover of the Faces' "Ooh La La" bare musical muscle fleshed out in Steve Albini's studio (love that echo!). Plaintive numbers such as "Roots" and "The Bones" hit the heart, even if this Lifestyle won't make Silkworm rich and famous. If Silkworm can keep releasing albums this good, let's hope they stick around for another eight. --Jason Josephes