HIGHSPOTPARADOX

3.5 stars seems to be just right for my tastes. A lot to enjoy here as we get one of Hugh Hopper's projects as he joins forces with two thirds of a band called CAVEMAN SHOESTORE. So that includes Elaine Di Falco singing and playing piano and accordion while Fred Chalenor plays straight bass and Hugh the fuzzed out kind. The three other members here play clarinet, sax, french horn and drums. Not Canterbury at all but more of a jazzy/avant style of music and the accordion is all over this(haha). This is the second album of three that this band created and many feel they got better as they went so I'm looking forward to hearing the last one.

"Miniluv" opens with relaxed guitar with bass and sparse percussion. Piano joins in and mellow is the word. A horn arrives as well as we get this classy sound that brings the ECM label to mind. "Against The Wheel" features fuzzed out bass and electric piano as Elaine starts singing. Kind of a poppy feel to this one except for the fuzz. Drums and bass only just before a minute then more fuzz. Vocals are back as contrasts continue.

"Baby Brother" is a catchy mid-paced tune as bass, keys and horns lead the way. Keys only after 2 1/2 minutes then a beat with guitar joins in. Kind of cool. Some fuzz after 4 minutes. "High Spot Paradox" has a beat with accordion and it turns avant sounding before a minute. Not very melodic here including the dissonant horn. "Otis Trout" opens with electric piano, drums and bass. Accordion finds them then a horn after a minute.

"Here They Come" has vocal melodies and accordion to start but soon drums kick in. It's polka time! Eieieio! Okay I'm back, sorry. It changes to a melancholic mood before 1 1/2 minutes as the accordion and vocals stop but the drums, bass and electric piano take over. More vocal melodies after 2 minutes, catchy stuff. Some flute too, maybe one of Hugh's samples?

"Lullaby" is my favourite. Keys to start as accordion and cymbals join in. Reserved vocals are spacey and dreamy then the accordion returns 2 minutes in, bass too. Vocals stop around 2 1/2 minutes. "Upgrade" has some energy with bass, keys and drums. Accordion before a minute, fuzz too. Dissonant horns around 1 1/2 minutes and experimental sounds follow. "Bald Eagle At Carnation" opens with accordion and bass and this continues as cymbals then drums join in. Horns 1 1/2 minutes in. Plenty of atmosphere here too with vocal melodies. I like it!

"Once Upon A Time" is catchy with accordion, percussion and bass as the vocals join in. A toe-tapper but not one I'm into. "4 1/2" is my second favourite track on here. Accordion once again with drums and bass but man this sounds good when the electric piano arrives. Dreamy vocals around 1 1/2 minutes then horns before 3 minutes as the vocals step aside. "Last Word Tango" is laid back with keys, bass and drums as reserved vocals join in. I like this one.

An excellent album overall but the I wish enjoyment factor for me was higher.