Kind of a wild cover album here from the Dandy Warhols. Their take on The Cult's "She Sells Sanctuary" feels a bit like something that might have been done by John Corbett's shehnai playing Lars from the movie Serendipity. I can practically see the villagers covering their ears and invading viking hordes collapsing. In rapture, of course.

If this album would have been my introduction to Ripe I would have enjoyed it much more. But as a long time member of the Green Headband Gang, it's not possible to love this reduced pop sound, as compared to the wall of sound with horns and expanded orchestration.

I'm wild about these guys, and Craig's solo efforts. This one just feels a little "too" mature. Those classic THS stories about the neighborhoods, the people, the experiences feel more like reminiscing here instead of making me feel like I am living vicariously through their songs.

Immediately recognizable but still fresh.

I sure miss the kooky Lucy days, pre-BoyGenius, etc. This is completely innocuous indie folk, but there's not a track that can hold a candle to Trouble Maker Doppleganger or Strange Torpedo.

This wasn't what I expected, and I'm glad because I expected it to suck.

Keb' Mo' celebrates the songs and artists that gave him a, well, a Big Wide Grin. And adds his own panache to the mix!

This was the first album by EC that I ever heard, and it remains the defining recording in the catalog. Even though it didn't generate "hits" it is enshrined in my existence!

I was not a huge fan of this sound, but it's an important album to understand their growth and progress.