Following the success of their self-titled album, The Waiting's record label have decided that it is time to re-issue this, their previous indie release with a new track order and four new tracks. Production wise I can't really choose between this and The Waiting, although this is slightly rawer. Never having really gotten into that album, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself gradually getting into this one.
The Waiting's sound takes some southern influences, various folk music influences and some more modern alternative and comes out as a pleasing folky, rootsy pop sound, with some distorted guitar and the odd mandolin thrown in. The lyrics are poetic and full of imagery, although the songs are best considered in their entirety so I won't quote one here.
I enjoy listening to this album, but I'm still not sure that The Waiting are quite the amazing band their fans suggest. A couple of the tracks here sound a bit similar to each other. The fans will like the album, though, and it's an excellent companion to its predecessor (or follower, depending on your point of view).
3 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Jerry RayIn an apparent attempt to capitalize on the success of 1997's The Waiting, Sparrow has reissued the band's 1995 effort Blue Belly Sky, originally released on REX Music. The new version has been digitally remastered (though this listener can't hear a difference) and features four new tracks and new packaging. For those unfamiliar with The Waiting, the band hails from Atlanta, Georgia and falls…Similar sounding releases
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