CRACKER

"GENTLEMAN'S BLUES"

VIRGIN RECORDS AMERICA (7087 613190 2 6)

DATE OF RELEASE: August 25th, 1998

Listen to audio: The Good Life, Star

Photo Credit: Danny Clinch 2/96

Cracker's latest effort, "Gentlemen's Blues, " is an alternative wonderland, although it shows no evolution from old recordings, such as their first smash hit, "Low", although no one is complaining. "Star," a song written for perhaps a friend looking for fame, and "The Good Life" both bring back the styles of the early 90's music scene, and some of us are happy to see it; however, this is only the case for 50% of the album. Some of the tracks tone down the rock a bit with acoustic lullabies, and some have a slight country accent, but in the end, it all works, I don't know how, but it does.

Cracker will be on tour to promote their new album, which will begin in Canada and end up in the U.S. Guest musicians include New York keyboardist Kenny Margolis, and Johnny Hott of Sparklehorse, who will be replacing ex-drummer Charlie Quintana.

RATING:7