Lane Steinberger
The Return of Noel Coward's Ghost
Cheft Records

Lane Steinberg has made a sprawling, ambitious record. His muse seems to be eccentric and his strong sense of melody rarely falters even if the songs get odd.

"Face Down" sounds like a fevered Beach Boys song trying to escape from Beck's clutches without getting a breakbeat remix. "Away" is a weird Indian flavored track with sundazed lead vocals. The Beach Boys return for "Let's Touch", a tale of two co-workers who call in sick to continue their affair. "Bare Walls" rocks ever so slightly.

The album might be overstaying its welcome (or is it value for money?), but there's no faulting its quality. Somewhere the ghost of Noel Coward raises a glass and toasts.

Copyright © 2006 Anna Maria Stjärnell