MEMOS FROM PURGATORY

Memos From Purgatory is the first album David Cross released under his own name. Like on his later albums, Cross is supported by several other musicians, but more than his other albums, Memos From Purgatory sounds like a solo album, even though three of the eight songs were written by Sheila Maloney.The album is completely instrumental, and at times vocals are really missed. Although they are generally played well, most of the songs themselves are a bit too straightforward. Cross is a great musician, but he needs the creative input from others to really shine. And here, he just doesn't. Thankfully, quality of songwriting is much better on the next album. Memos From Purgatory is not a bad album, but it's just not very surprising or memorable. Actually, I never really notice when it is finished, and that can't be right, can it?