Rating: NNNN
This Snailhouse album gives you the feelings you might have upon reading a bundle of letters not meant for your eyes: guilt at reading such intimate correspondence and relief at finding out that others share your weaknesses, sorrows and joys. Mike Feuerstack’s songs have evolved from the hushed acoustic guitar-plucking and unadorned vocals of his 1995 debut to these warm, fully realized compositions resplendent with organ, slide guitar and strong harmonies. The music is rich and enveloping enough to break the embarrassing tension that occurs when the lyrics become excruciatingly earnest. Lovely.