BLUSH MUSIC

A disappointing sophomore effort, "Blush Music" retreads several tracks which appeared on the group's debut, likely in the service of the musical in which it was used. In particular, "Animalitos(Aint No Sunshine)" and "My Russia" both were unstoppable in their "original" incarnations, "Your Russia" offers little but more drudgery, and "Story and Pictures" found a better setting on the self titled disk.

The ambiance and sound effects drag on to distraction, which may or may not work with the performance but don't sans visuals. "Cripplegate" is one of the only highlights, thanks to plucked banjola reminding us that David Eugene Edwards is indeed one with his barren surroundings. Elsewhere he channels so much VIOLENT FEMMES and JAPAN that his earthy base is choked by sheets of 80s granular packed powder. "Animalitos" adds volume and some worthwhile atmospheres but as it winds down it embarks on a descent into the unmusical depths hitherto unplumbed, but tragically revisited on "Snake Bite" and "Aeolian Harp". This might appeal to fans of wholly unstructured genres but Mr Edwards needn't have gone there.

Perhaps the subtle humanity and warmth in DEE's chill was not needed in the soundtrack because it was nurtured by the dance performance. In and of itself, this "Blush Music" appears as a credible version of the real thing but leaves a bitter taste. Stick with the debut or with some of the better subsequent disks.