OK, so there's a reason the Silver Jews sound a little bit like
Pavement. Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich are in this band as
well as that one. David Berman wrote almost everything on this debut
full-length album, however, and the Silver Jews are definitely not a
Pavement side project. They are their own creature. It's hard not to
be charmed by laid-back songs like "Advice to the Graduate" or "Trains
Across the Sea" (that last one exhibits a touch of Gram Parsons
plaintiveness). I even hear Pixies energy in "New Orleans," where the
band takes you back and forth across the line between laughter and
tears. This is indie rock at its most congenial.
Troubles, no troubles, on the line, and I can't stand to see you, I
can't stand to see you when you're crying at home.
—"Trains Across the Sea"
If you get a message leave your name and number and we'll get back to
you.
—"Advice to the Graduate"
I'm scared (I swear) of you.
—"New Orleans"
| 
Heidi J. De Vries
