Jim Carroll

Much of the Jim Carroll Band's last studio release shows some refinement of the no-nonsense new wave stylings of the group's first two albums. Most of the songs here are up-tempo numbers; a few (specifically "Freddy's Store" and "[No More] Luxuries") show a mild Pretenders influence. "Voices" is a bit more dance-like in feel, driven by energetic congas and rhythmic synthesizer textures. "Low Rider" is a bit slower and exhibits modest power pop touches. Unusual here are the bleak, brooding "Hold Back the Dream" and "Black Romance" and the hauntingly expressive, piano-dominated quasi-cocktail number "Dance the Night Away" (which echoes Tom Waits' work in this idiom). Backing vocals are utilized more often and show variety in employment, being by turns soaring ("Love Crimes"), punky and shouted ("[No More] Luxuries"), and warmly full ("Dance the Night Away"). As always, lyrics here are excellent. There is also a faithful, stripped-down cover of the Velvet Underground anthem "Sweet Jane." The sound is occasionally distorted or mildly claustrophobic, but is otherwise good. This capable album makes an intriguing listen. ~ David Cleary, All Music Guide