American Water,
the Silver Jews' third full-length release, reunites
David Berman and
Stephen Malkmus and adds new members
Mike Fellows,
Tim Barnes, and
Chris Stroffolino. Named after a poster
Berman saw at his veterinarian's office for American Water Spaniels, the album boasts some of
the Jews' best arrangements and playing, from the flute and brass-tinged
"Random Rules" to the driven but eloquent guitars on
"Night Society" to the wah-wah friendly, '70s-style
pop of
"People." American Water also varies in tempo and mood more than any
Silver Jews album since
Starlite Walker.
"Send in the Clouds" and
"Smith & Jones Forever" gallop along, while
"We Are Real" and
"The Wild Kindness" stroll. Though most of the album's lyrics aren't as personal as those on
The Natural Bridge, they still feature
Berman's detailed wit, like this couplet from
"People": "The drums march along at the clip of an IV drip/Like sparks from a muffler dragged down the strip." The tight, sunny-sounding production sparkles on songs like
"Honk if You're Lonely Tonight," and
Berman's and
Malkmus' twin vocals brighten songs like
"Blue Arrangements" and
"Federal Dust." As with all of
the Jews' best work,
American Water sounds like it was made for the band's own enjoyment, and the listener is just eavesdropping on their fun. ~ Heather Phares
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