The Second full-length from Southern California's Beachwood Sparks, Once We Were Trees, finds the band expanding upon the psychedelic country rock of their self-titled 2000 debut. The new record was recorded with Thom Monahan at J. Mascis' studio in Northampton, MA (J. even plays on the record a bit). Plus, the new record features an amazing and sweetly torching version of Sade's "By Your Side." Really.

There's something not quite right about Beachwood Sparks' sophomore album. It seems oddly out of focus--like the artwork that accompanies it--and it lacks clarity. That's not to say that these psychedelic country rockers don't create their share of magical moments here, and in the best ones they're able to build on the sounds of their '60 heroes in freshly organic ways. But the beauty of their debut was in their ability to blend irresistible melodies and comforting (if not always on key) vocal harmonies with a milder trippy edge. On Trees that balance is disturbed: the mood is a bit off, slightly ominous and haunting, not reassuring and pretty like on the first album. It's a different kind of trip this time around--not necessarily a bad trip, but it's bumpier than the last one. --Marc Greilsamer