This song has an ethnic, trible quality to it - a new direction for Chris and Rob. Chris seems to be expressing a passionate, somewhat erotic love without walls.

In spite of the rather sparse arrangement, there are those wonderful Cross chord-changes in the choruses. I noticed that there is an interesting verse-structure here. It starts with two unique verses followed by the first chorus, which starts with "In a red room". A second chorus. starting with "On and on" follows, that repeats after the E.V.I solo. The first chorus then repeats twice!

I had some doubts when Chris posted last year telling us that he would be using drum-machines and synthesizers throughout most of this album. Well, you could've fooled me! The sound is very warm and natural - not mechanical in the least!

I currently have this song playing in 'single-track repeat' mode, as I will with the remaining nine songs. I've seen many posts stating that we should give this album a chance by giving it several listens. I've noticed how this one song has already 'grown' on me!

Chris warned us that this album would be different. Very interesting lyrics to this track. Most of Chris' songs to this point have dealt with metaphors. All the verses mention very specific people, things or attitudes. The metaphor is saved for the chorus; "Avalon" seems to refer to a state-of-mind. Also, this is Chris'first use of a harmonica that I can remember.

This song had 'single' written all over it. I really don't see any 'language problems' with it. I thought Chris side-stepped the implied language brilliantly! I only wish it got more airplay! It would have been a welcome, bright spot among the depressing music that is currently being released by other artists.

I looked up 'Avalon' on the Merriam-Webster site (www.m-w.com). The definition: "a paradise to which Arthur is carried after his death" - I wonder if he died from "Arthuritis"! ;)

This is yet another one of Chris' classic ballads. It relates a prisoner's 'hunger' for the one he loves.

Anyone who thinks that WIA is awash in drum-machines and synths need only hear Jeremy Lubbock's gorgeous string arrangement in this track. I think this song would be a prime candidate for the 'unplugged' portion of future live concerts.

Chris's voice is in an unusually low register, here which adds a lot of depth to this song. The first song I encountered this in was Before I Go from Window, also a haunting ballad. I'm so glad Chris budgeted for those gorgeous strings - money well spent!

This is the second upbeat track on the album and a wonderful choice for the next single. I believe this is Chris' first 'story-song' since "Ride Like The Wind". It relates the story of a developing relationship that starts with an impulse-buy at a checkout stand. Im curious, Chris; just what *was* that 'little white lie'?

I love that Beach Boys-influenced "I'm just diggin' her..." chorus along with its very cool chord-progression!

This song again follows that unusual verse pattern of "In A Red Room", interleaving 2 choruses toward the end.

I sincerely hope this track gets airplay!

When Greg, Al and myself first met Chris and Rob back in February of 1997, They told us the titles of the songs they had written so far. When they mentioned this one, I joked that it could be the 'answer-song' to Is There Something. Rob assured me that this wasn't the case.

This tracks starts off in a dreary mood, pondering all the little things that spoil one's day. References to AOL going down (how true!), wars, and Don Quixote.

The song then takes an unexpected twist, a *very* upbeat and warm chorus. It's nice to hear that Hammond B3, since it was last heard on All Right, 15 years ago!

This would be a great choice for the 3rd single, in my opinion.

To be honest, this track did not 'hit' me the first time I heard it. However, after giving it that all-important 'second listen', I fell in love with it! Herein lies the dilemma with Chris' music. In these times of instant gratification, I'm afraid many don't give his music a chance. This is a shame.

A rather sparse arrangement here: rhythm, acoustic guitar, and Fender Rhodes. With its stream-of-consciousness, dream-like lyrics, Chris contemplates the simple things in life. Later, his aspirations, through the metaphor of a bird; "I'm just looking to grow some wings - Fly to Memphis - meet the king". According to Chris in his "Where are They Now" appearance, the title reflects his attitude toward his music and the business - "Don't tell me what I can and can't do!"

I'm still trying to figure out the lyrics to this one. It talks about a relationship that seems to work in spite of the faults of both parties, but there may be an imminent break-up - "And tomorrow we might just move on".

Yet another new direction for Chris et al - swing! This song has a wonderful, jazzy arrangement complete with Jeremy's strings. Chris' and Gigi's voices blend beautifully.

This track would be a prime candidate for the 'Smooth Jazz' radio format, as would Deputy Dan and Isn't It Love from Rendezvous, but I digress...

It's great to see how Chris and Rob have grown musically in three short years since the release of Window. The hard work that they put into this release really shows.

I will be posting reviews of Kind Of I Love You, Curled Around The World, and Rainy Day In Vancouver shortly.