Archer Prewitt, Three (Thrill Jockey) 9+
Former Coctails leader, comic artist and member of The Sea And Cake Archer Prewitt is already a bona fide music veteran, with over a dozen albums in his vitae. Yet it seems his truly lasting musical legacy is just beginning. While his first two solo albums were clever, tuneful and thoughtful, there was always a nagging feeling that they were just academic studies in pop, in which he sounded more detached than brooding. On his third album, it seems Prewitt has finally wholeheartedly thrown himself into the creative vortex, immersing himself in the music, and emerging with his most accomplished arrangements and some absolutely deadly tunes. Three kicks off with "Over The Line," a sunny 70s pop gem with organs and harmonica setting the tone for Prewitt's more warm-blooded, emotionally direct approach. "Tear Me All Away" and "When I'm With You" continue the uptempo 70s pop feel, along with layers of subtle psychedelia, Beatles-ish harmonies, and hooks galore. Prewitt's inspirations are too numerous and tightly integrated to try to keep track of. This is a good sign that he's developed his own recognizable sound, though he does seem to share certain tastes in symphonic soul and British folkie Roy Harper with musical soul/label mates Bobby Conn, Jim O'Rourke and Neil Rosario (National Trust). Yet it's Prewitt who has the most potential to connect with a wider audience, with several compelling songs that would be on heavy rotation in Top 40 radio were it a just world. The first is "I'm Coming Over," which features the catchiest, lilting, chiming guitar melody since Johnny Marr's heydey. "Gifts Of Love" increases the pace with more infectious string-fueled melodies that match the best of Lloyd Cole & The Commotions. "Atmosphere" eases into a slower stroll, and stuns with the kind of heart-swelling chorus that Paul McCartney hasn't been able to muster for thirty years. "Sister Ice" continues his hot streak with a fabulous chorus by Kelly Hogan and Nora O'Connor (on loan from Andrew Bird's Bowl Of Fire). Aside from the highlights, the rest of the tracks are nearly as strong, well-crafted pop tunes. This may be sacrilege, but it would do a lot of people a world of good if they stopped hoping for anything of relevance to leak out of the noggins of burned out geezers like Elvis Costello and start noticing the embarrassment of riches that are growing right in their backyards. Catch Archer Prewitt at a bar near you before you have to wait in line for stadium tickets.
