Birds of My Neighborhood

The Innocence Mission has never been concerned with image or posturing, concentrating instead solely on their music. This is especially evident on the group's fourth release, 1999's Birds Of My Neighborhood. The decision not to replace departing drummer Steve Brown in the studio resulted in a set of more focused, expressive songs centered around the acoustic guitars of Karen and Don Peris. The recording is so sparse and intimate that it often sounds like a few close friends strumming guitars around a fireplace, an approach that perfectly frames the wistful sentiments expressed in the songs.