This album is good. Really damn good. Thee More Shallow's Dee Kesler spent nearly three years in the studio with More Deep Cuts before finding it ready for the masses. What we have been presented is a nearly flawless release, which remains faithful to the luminous roots of rock and roll while brilliantly expanding into other arenas in the spectrum of music.
Theirs is a wide reaching sound on More Deep Cuts. While Kesler's vocals are immaculately clear, clean, and fit to be supported by a happy-go-lucky sound, TMS have decided to present their music tucked away behind the shadows, off in a corner of the room. From the weeping strings of "Int #1" (a la Godspeed You! Black Emperor), to the ominous surroundings of "Cloisterphobia," Kesler awkwardly fits the gloomy sound with his innocently maudlin presentation, introspective tales, and insightful descriptions. And the music is just so damn impressive.
Despite throwing in orchestral aspects, piano, bells, samples, keyboards, horns, drums, and guitars, More Deep Cuts has somehow managed to keep things simple and straightforward. While each individual track has its own unique sound -- the languorous aspiration of "Walk of Shame," the beat driven rumble of "Freshman Thesis" -- they all flow seamlessly together. The sequencing and spacing have made this an actual album rather than a collection of songs. The time Kesler and Thee More Shallows have spent with More Deep Cuts is apparent on the album. From the layering to the fine-tuning to the tweaking and the clarity, the production, mixing, and mastering are what make this record standout as one of the most original and best releases of 2005.
1. Post-Present
2. Pre-Present
3. Freshman Thesis
4. Int #1
5. Ave Grave
6. Cold Dis
7. Cloisterphobia
8. 2am
9. Walk Of Shame
10. Ask Me About Jon Stross
11. House Break