On , the follow-up to 2002's stunningly good , the sound of has changed but the song remains the same. No longer does record his intimate songs in the intimate surroundings of his home. Instead he has made the jump to the recording studio. As a result the record is much cleaner, less cocoon-like, certainly more the product of someone who has become a professional musician and not someone who just records for fun on a four-track. However, all has sacrificed is sound quality. The sound of the record is still very intimate and simple, with very subtle arrangements that leave his voice and lyrics as the focal point. Luckily all the technology in the world can't affect 's voice, which still sounds like it comes right from his lips into your ear as if he were an angel perched on your shoulder. His songs are still as strong and memorable as they were on , no drop off whatsoever in quality. with sparkling melody lovely background harmonies by his sister ; the aching which wouldn't sound out of place on Prairie Home Companion, only it would be the best thing you ever heard there; the sad and sweet ; the crystalline acoustic guitar which has the kind of vocal harmony between and his sister that seems to be the exclusive domain of siblings; and the are the equal of anything on 's debut and match up well with anything , , or their ilk have done lately. A definite plus to recording in a studio and enlisting the help of outside musicians is that there is much more variety to the album and there are lots of small production touches that liven things up like the Native American chants at the close of the pedal steel guitar on and the drums and tambourine on the bluesy is very subdued, thoughtful, melodic, and downright beautiful album and the new sound is more of a progression than a sudden shift in values, production or otherwise. Anyone who found the first album to be wonderful will no doubt feel the same about this one. ~ Tim Sendra