I'm Syked

An early contender for album of the year, Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter have released a sweet little disc called Like, Love, Lust and the Open Halls of the Soul. I haven't been this happy listening to a country-influenced pop album since The Scud Mountain Boys put out the gorgeous Pine Box. Jesse's vocals don't have the range of a Neko Case, but they make up for it in smoky presence... and the disc seems more consistently brilliant than Case's work. One could also argue that Like, Love, Lust is less literary than the typical Handsome Family disc, but Sykes and her band's strength is crafting complete songs rather than focusing on storytelling. They may be a bit verbose when it comes to choosing titles, but the lyrics don't feel overwrought, and the music is outstanding. Check out the lovely little tune Aftermath in the Audio Snack Bar.