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Rating:
Still around Steve Wynn; still in the realm of a more than good solo work released in the late nineties. As always, far from the big spotlight, the big sales figures; Steve doesn’t care about being in the limelight. He continues undeterred on his path thanks to an extraordinary talent for Rock writing.
The sound of the album, after the sunny interlude of "Swetness and Light," is once again in the realm of much-loved Psychedelic Rock; this time getting help from musicians like Chris Brokaw, Tony Maimone (anyone remember him from Pere Ubu and Bob Mould’s first two solo works?), and his partner Linda Pitmon. The final result is solid thanks to the production work of the reliable John Agnello, capable of giving room to Steve's natural Pop inclination as in the gentle "Cats and Dog" with Linda's superb counterpoint holding its own against the former Dream Syndicate leader (I always have to mention this unforgettable band that is ready for a discographic return in a few months!!).
The decisive and rattling "Nothing But The Shell" that opens the album; the nervous and acerbic "My Favorite Game"; a title track so intimate and nocturnal in its long development; the charming ballad "In Your Prime" and its embarrassingly simple chorus, so smooth and straightforward, with a rising finale where the guitars stand as the undisputed protagonists. A perfectly focused 360-degree work that ends with the dynamism of "500 Girl Mornings": almost seven minutes are touched with two chords repeated endlessly that inevitably refer to the past "Syndicate" of the Californian boy.
In conclusion, a classic and unmissable work; trust the old DeMa. Give it a confident listen, and you will surely agree with me...THE MASK OF SHAME...
Ad Maiora.
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