rhinestone river LIMES

this LP was kinda a sleeper hit of 2010. picked this up at the always wonderful Trailer Space Records. i probably never would have given this LP a chance if Spot hadn't played it while i was in the store one day. i didn't pick it up that day, but the idea of the record kept lingering in my head and finally I got it a few weeks ago. i got nothing against Goner Records, their record store is really incredible, but lets just say i'm usually not the biggest fan of garage rock. but this one really works for me.

Limes is the more or less solo project of Shawn Cripps who records with various Memphis all stars like Harlan T. Bobo and other scene regulars. Rhinestone River is the only Limes LP i've heard (although they have one or two earlier ones) and it brings to mind all the great things about Silver Jews, Bill Callahan and even Country Teasers that i love.

i don't mean to put down the record by saying that it reminds me of those people but the LP works best when thinking of it in terms of reference to those. he lacks some of the wit of David Berman (and let's be honest, hardly anyone can match David Berman), but he ups the ante on Bill Callahan's drawl delivery. the record has a bluesy garage vibe to it, but incorporates a lot of weirder elements with some backwards pscyh guitar solos, some trumpet, and some great sloppy riffs ("Good Times" and "Bottom of the Hole" sound like a continuation of Country Teaser's "Satan is Real Again" album).

completely solid album that grows on me more and more with every listen. highly recommended! listen to it here. then go buy it from Goner or your local record store!