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Last year, when I happened to be in Chicago, I met up with Splendid editor extraordinaire George Zahora, and the two of us ruminated a bit on what has changed in our musical tastes as we have aged. Mr. Zahora made the rather piquant observation, when we were discussing our mutual fondness for country music, that one of the reasons he was more likely to go see a country band he had never heard than an unknown-to-him punk/indie/electronic or other band is the sort of base-line musicianship one is virtually guaranteed by a band's inclusion in the genre. If you go to see a newly-minted country band, the likelihood of their being all attitude and no substance is lessened, simply because there is an unspoken understanding that, however DIY your band is, there's no such thing as a country band without chops. It's precisely this fact that makes it easy to forget how much better the musicians in a band like Len's Lounge are than the vast majority of their rock-and-roll peers. However, that forgetfulness doesn't excuse missing a country/bluegrass record as finely crafted as String Band. While, as the title suggests, Len's Lounge is indeed composed of stringed instruments only, the album also features the talents of a guest drummer. While the whip-crack snare of "Soul Sucker" isn't technically vital, it's a perfect addition to the close harmony and smooth violin line that carry the tune. On "West of the Wabash", the perfect nuance is delivered by a classic banjo line (also a guest musician). Lead vocal duties are handled by gravel-voiced Jeff Roberson and the dulcet tones of Annie Winslow, both of which are beautifully expressive and rich. The songs range from wistful to sassy, "drinkin' and cryin'" to "I don't need you". There are songs about travelling and songs about never wanting to leave. While none of these subjects is radically new to the genre, they still have plenty of legs when played with conviction and skill -- two qualities Len's Lounge has in spades. The album ends on the hauntingly beautiful "Big Spring Church", a song that resonates long after it's over. Check out this string band. They'll show you what a steady picking hand can do. -- Brett McCallon
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