Jesse Sykes (3 CDs)- slow burn psychedelic shoegaze country

I first heard of Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter thanks to the "Morning Becomes Eclectic" show on KCRW (over the Web). The song was "Troubled Soul" and it was a mesmerizing piece. In fact most of the songs here have a haunted quality to them that you can't shake. Tracks 2 through 6 are brilliant, especially the one two punch of "Troubled Soul" and "The Dreaming Dead".

The production is practically flawless. Phil Wandscher's electric guitar is so expressive, it's like a living, breathing entity. In fact, because of this my only quibble is that I wish that the acoustic guitar would be turned up a bit on a few of the tracks.

It seems to disappear in the mix.

Most of the previous reviews are spot on. I'd agree with the opinion that the album could use a couple of more numbers like "The Dreaming Dead" or "Tell the Boys", something with a little bounce to them. But overall the album works. It's artists like Jesse Sykes that confirm my belief that great music is out there if you just look hard enough. This is a perfect album to listen to in the evening or late night with the lights turned down or off (or a candle on or two) and a drink in hand. Enjoy. (Amazon Review)

"Reckless Burning" is a startlingly excellent set. Jesse Sykes comes from the band Hominy and lead guitarist Phil Wandscher comes from Whiskeytown. The opening title track is my favorite, from the opening lyrics, "Pretty thing I've got you, right where I used to be; right across this city starting fires recklessly," we know we are in for an original and wonderful treat. Many of the tracks move slowly & hauntingly, bringing to mind Cowboy Junkies and Red House Painters. "Doralee" continues the formula with a haunting reminiscence, "There's gravel in your bathtub, the fish swam free looking for their ocean." "This is where my ship has run aground, stuck in the mud on the Puget Sound, I came from the Great Lakes & I watched them turn dry, the sky turned black & I cried," Jesse sings on the lovely & addictive "Lonely Still" with Bruce Wirth on banjo & lap steel. "Your Side Now" aches with Wandscher's lead guitar wandering in pain. "He said, I think you know my name," Jesse moans on the entrancing "Made of Wood." It might sound odd to say, but "Love Me Someday" has a quality that reminds me of Nancy Sinatra singing the Lee Hazlewood hit "Sundown." Anne Marie Ruljancich's violin and cello graces the melancholy closer "Lullaby." Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter have created an amazing set filled with longing, ache & sadness that inspires with its perfection. Bravo! (Amazon Review)