the Long Winters

Editor's Review:

Though much of the music on When I Pretend to Fall is big and lush — often backed by orchestral and other accompaniment which lends an air of grandeur to the music — these tunes would probably sound pretty amazing on just an acoustic guitar or a piano, a notion strengthened by the acoustic guitar and vocal number “It’ll be a Breeze.” Long Winters frontman John Roderick has the uncanny knack of writing music that blends luring pop hooks with unique rock compositions, and this album runs the gamut from straight pop-rock to soft acoustic balladry to more rustic tones to grand arrangements, the overall result of which is an exalted offering of pop-rock goodness. For the sake of name dropping, just in case you go for that kind of thing, Roderick and the band are joined throughout this album by the likes of REM’s Peter Buck, Death Cab for Cutie’s Chris Walla and The Posies’ Ken Stringfellow.

– Max Sidman

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Record Label Barsuk Records Released July 2003

Tracks Blue Diamonds Scared Straight Shapes Cinnamon Bride and Bridle Blanket Hog It’ll Be a Breeze Stupid Prom Night At Hater High New Girl The Sound of Coming Down Nora