The book outlines this as being an 'Americana' album before that was really established as a genre. There is certainly a very American mix of genres here, with country featuring prominently, along with alt-country, rock, and a touch of what is almost psychobilly ("Bad Liquor").
The band had been compared (by themselves too) to R.E.M. so they were a little surprised to see that band take off mainstream while they themselves did not. They resolved to record in a different, more mellow style this time around.
Really quite enjoyed this album, nice mix of styles: "Western Sky" almost has a Smiths kind of thing going on. "Jenny" (much like my wife, with the same name) is gorgeous. A delicate, sombre acoustic ballad. "Somewhere" has a bit of a Springsteen flavour to it... maybe Springsteen-meets-REM.
The album is mostly low-key, mellow, with production geared to create mood around the sparse arrangements. A few livelier tracks keep things spicy.
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