Fresh Mowed Lawn

Tim Rose, guitarist and principal songwriter with the psych/prog/pop combo the Sun Sawed In 1/2, returns to active duty with the self-titled debut from Fresh Mowed Lawn, which follows a lush and melodic path familiar to fans of Rose's previous group. Recorded in Vienna with a dozen musicians backing Rose, Fresh Mowed Lawn boasts richly detailed arrangements and sophisticated melodic structures which suggest XTC (circa Skylarking and Nonsuch), or an updated version of 10cc, while Rose's songs reveal a wit and warmth that's open and sunny without going sickly sweet. The production (by Rose and Patrick Manchek) is every bit as tasty as the songs and the performances, but while this is peerlessly executed stuff, the craft of Fresh Mowed Lawn sometimes overwhelms the soul of the music. Rose has put so much effort into creating a record that's impressive in its sonic sheen and musical sophistication that what he has to say (and the passion with which he says it) seems almost besides the point. Pop obsessives will surely be impressed with Fresh Mowed Lawn, and not without reason, but like the old saw about Chinese food you'll find it doesn't stick with you a half-hour after you're finished with it, which is a real shame given the genuine talent that went into this. ~ Mark Deming, All Music Guide