A regional favorite in the Pittsburgh area, roots rockers the Clarks have a thing or two in common with many of their peers, such as the BoDeans and to some extent Gin Blossoms -- they've never come across a harmony they didn't like, nor a nice tight guitar riff. The twang on usually unmemorable tracks like "Over Me" and "Help Me Out" appears much stronger in this fashion alongside so many formulaic pop songs. The bulk of this album was recorded in 1998, but three songs from a July 2001 c...   [ read more ]

CD $17.08

In 2002, it's a considerable feat for a guitar-based band who wants to appeal to the mainstream, as the Clarks evidently do, to craft a record with much apparent sincerity, and without adding commercial embellishments or self-conscious extremism in the hopes of jacking up their crossover odds. It's more commendable and consistent than inspiring, though. The group offers a set of reasonably tuneful straightforward rock balancing earnest wistfulness, heartland ethos, and sprinkles of roots flavorings t...   [ read more ]

CD $17.08

CD $18.03