THE YUMYUM TREE

And so Ed Wynne and the Ozrics return to 2009 with a vengeance; although they often get a bad rep for the somewhat derivative qualities of their particular brand of space-rock, I would say after meditating on 'The Yumyum Tree" for awhile that is is probably the grooviest and most engaging thing they've done since 1995's "Jurassic Shift". While not as guitar driven as their previous efforts, the arrangements are sharper than expected, as is the production quality. Highlights include the Eastern-tinged electrifying 'Plant Music' and the slithery 'Oolong Oolong", though the whole album is strong from start to finish.

Highly recommended, and IMO one of the best things to come out this year.