After a five-year absence, the Sundays have returned from oblivion. Now, let's face it: a lot of things can happen in five years -- hell, I'm five years older -- but when you heard about this record, I know what you were thinking. "Uh oh, here's where the story ends."

Not so, good fellow. Static and Silence shows more integrity and talent than any of the Sundays' previous efforts. David Gavurin's a far better guitarist and songwriter while Harriet Wheeler croons her most beautiful lyrics ever. So while you're in the bedroom with Jewel and Fiona Apple, I'll be listening in style with the best Sundays record yet.

-Ryan Schreiber