Justin Bell & the Lazy Susan Band says, despite the labels that put them in the categories of "Americana" or "alt-country," they really are a straight-up rock band.
I can appreciate that. Problem is too many people put a million miles between bands like The Ramones and Neil Young and until we can break that "band-labeling" prejudice, bands will be classified with labels like "emo," "indie," "Goth" and "twang rock." And twang rock is where I'd put Justin Bell & the Lazy Susan band's sophomore release, "Something Else Entirely."
It's not a bad label to have, particularly here in the Twin Cities; this area seems ready to latch on the coattails of any Americana act and I don't see why this disc would be an exception. There's a Jayhawks meet Son Volt vibe to the project with tons of good guitar licks and organ blasts. "X's & O's" and "Pocket Full of Answers" struck me as standout tracks, defined by a cool lead guitar riffs and big choruses. I also found some fondness for the drive of "Cassandra."
The production on the disc is crisp, clear and well put together. All in all, this is a well-thought album; it doesn't refine anything for me, but it does ask for multiple listens.
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