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An infusion of swinging soul elevates much of Krebs' latest to near-party fayre, a nice contrast to the expected acoustic introspection. The sprightly opening pairing of Johnny Come Lately (not the Steve Earle classic) and the title track are enhanced with brass and organ respectively, the latter also providing the name of Krebs' musicians of choice this time around. His last collaborative project, with the excellent folk-rootsy Golden Delicious, also produced some of his finest solo performances, two of which (Dressed To The Nines and Ashes Back To Vegas) are reworked here. Krebs' lyrical style remains confessional in tone, with a neat turn of phrase ('You know the highway in the summertime is just an afternoon and a steady blurring line' he sings on Thunderstorms and Alcohol) delivered in his homely voice. With a knack for penning memorable pop songs (the nostalgic Analog, the buoyant Quickly Steals Away) and affecting ballads (Patiently, Dressed to the Nines) with aplomb, Krebs should find favour among fans of Evan Dando, Josh Rouse or Elliott Smith. He's that good.

Matt Dornan
CWAS #4 - Winter 1998/9 - The Lost Issue

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