How this album was recorded and put together is probably the most unique thing about Dazy Head Mazy's "Acoustic Cities." The band showed up at Cities 97's studio C for four days and busted out an acoustic-based double album of their old tracks, with a couple new ones sprinkled in for good measure. It was designed to show a more intimate side of the band and it'd be hard to argue it doesn't. The first disc features the whole band rocking out on the tunes, while the second disc is more stripped down and acoustic guitar-driven (at least the first half is, around track six the whole band resurfaces). The end result is a sparkly, poppy record that strikes comparisons to the Barenaked Ladies and if you are down with that, this record's definitely for you.

I am not so much a sparkly, poppy music fan, but even I couldn't help getting caught up in a few of the band's stronger tunes, particularly disc one tracks "Let Me Off Here" and "Dragonfly." If I was going to pick a favorite between the two discs, I'd be more drawn to the second disc. The more stripped down feel on the first few tracks let me get a little closer to Will Bauermeister, DHM's head songwriter and I was better able to appreciate his songwriting talents. I'm not sure I can ever grow into a full hardcore fan of this brand of pop music, but I can definitely appreciate the band's musical skills. According to DHM's bio, they've had some good success in the past few years and I see no reason why "Acoustic Cities" won't do anything but increase that success. NH

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