Okay, people. Here's the deal: I've listened to this album several times and I'm still at a loss for words. That good? That bad? No. As many times as I've listened to Amnesia, I have no opinion on it whatsoever. None. I've tried. Believe me, I've tried. But every time I think I like it, Brad Laner opens his mouth and lets loose with mediocre vocals. But then, every time I think I hate it, a song like "Swimming Lessons" unleashes some weird hybrid of rock and techno that's breathtakingly refreshing. But do I remember the songs after listening? No. And that immediately pushes the review axis towards negative polarity.

When I spin the disc, as I'm doing now, it's good enough. It makes its noise, it does its thing, and Brad still can't sing. When it's shut off, well... I'm humming Galaxie 500 songs. Amnesia indeed.

Here's what happens: there are Beatles harmonies wedged in between drum-n-bass moments on "Let You Down Again." That's good. Beck plays harmonica on a cut called "Drop Down." That's bad. There's a lot of neat noise smeared all over "Train Try." Very good. Brad sings a lot. Woe, thy name is Laner, but on the other hand, he's great at curveballs. I think I like it. Or maybe I don't.

-Jason Josephes