BoDeans - Mr. Sad Clown (429 Records) ****

BoDeans are unique in what they do, there is no other band like them. Mr. Sad Clown is another catchy album from these Wisconsin natives. Once again the band presents songs filled with emotions one learns from living life. There is happiness, there is heartbreak, and everything thrown in between. Mr. Sad Clown is filled with very intimate moments that make up the whole record.

Llanas and Nuemann partnership is once again very fruitful. This duo certainly brings the best in each other, and those harmonies are not to be duplicated. There are several outstanding songs here. "If...." certainly takes the main prize, but "Easy Love," "Stay," or "Shine" are beyond excellent.

One could say BoDeans are not doing anything new on this record, but what they are doing is priceless. There is magic in this music, it breaths on its own. The album has a very delicate atmosphere, and just when you attempt to touch it, it moves in different direction.

When listening to Mr. Sad Clown one wants to get in the convertible, open up the top, turn up the volume, and hit Route 66. It's that good.

Mark Kadzielawa