Birdbrain, Buffalo Tom's second record, wasn't that awe- inspiring, and there's nothing wrong with that because we all gotta start somewhere. While this record's follow-up, Let Me Come Over, was energetic and fresh, Birdbrain (produced by fellow Bostonian J. Mascis) just kinda sits there. Don't get me wrong, there are a few good songs here-- chiefly the title cut and an awesome cover of the Psychedlic Furs' "Heaven." But other than that, the splendor is outweighed by the growing pains. It's one of those albums where you listen and think, "They've almost got it, but it's not as good as their later work." You know, like Kansas or Mercury Rev.

-Jason Josephes