Albm_Ruiz






	Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? (Minty Fresh) Chicago 1995 What a fine record. This Minneapolis sextet traipses dandily across a whole bunch of lounge-y pop modes, never quite falling for any particular style but style itself.


	My favourite tune here, "Glad they're Gone" evokes the Style Council's ersatz bossa but then breaks down into one of those jangly bits from old Postcard records. Vocalists Ruiz and Stephanie Winter-Ruiz (his wife, I imagine) pair off like a somnabulant Fred Schneider and caffeinated Astrud Gilberto. I recall thinking they deserved bonus points for sounding so un-muscular


	back in '95, the year of our lord grunge. But then again, I believe I saw them at the Ultrasound, opening for self-professed rock band "Blare!", probably one of the oddest double-bill in recent memory. They sound like they're having a great time but are a little bit bored, and well...that sounds like just about every great time I've ever had. Four and a half steaks out of 5.


	Please note: this feature does indeed fall under the "whimsies" category, and as such is provided to the end-user without warranties, express or implied of any kind. Dan Bryk shall not be liable for any bum purchases arising from your particular lack of taste. I mean, you're here, right? This feature will be updated semi-regularly, and we will archive them until they prove embarrassing.