Oh my! Okkervil River’s fifth album has been leaked upon the interweb. Not due for release until August 5th, I managed to lend my ears to it, to discern the quality, if apparent, it contained. My initial feelings (after one listen) contained traces of so-so-ness. Is it as good as “The Black Sheep Boyâ€? Hrmm, probably not. Does it have any good songs? Well, tracks one and two are good, as well as the last offering on the LP, “John Allyn Smith Sailsâ€, a rolling narrative like song in similar vein to, what I think is, the best Okkervil River song going around – 2006’s “The President’s Deadâ€. However, I think it might get down in some slow, slightly long-winded tunes which are scant on melody. Still, it will please most fans.
Perhaps I will get time to write a more detailed diatribe on the record after its official release date. For the time being, this quick entry will suffice.
