There's loads of pathos here, which is a mixed bag -- a person can stomach only so much self-indulgence, self-pity, and introspection. The lyric "Now he's driving on the interstate, and he starts to feel free" almost makes you nostalgic for high school. Although the tricky rhythms and attention to songcraft keep the album interesting, the one-dimensional thematic content limits its impact. At the very least, the Brits will see that we Yanks can make music about depression and nostalgia with the best of them. Too bad it's no way to go through life.

-- Felix Khalatnikov