“redstar_belgrade”
Red Star Belgrade
Where the Sun Doesn’t Shine
Put It On A Cracker
This album takes a while to kick in, which explains why it’s made its way from the bottom of my review pile to the top a few times. My initial impression has always been ambivalent – while I’m not much for items like the passably folky “Saddest Girl” and “Mercy,” RSB’s association with the Put It On A Cracker label always merited another listen. Four or five spins afterwards, I must say I’m suitably charmed. Taking stylistic cues from uncomplicated styles (not unlike early Uncle Tupelo), Red Star Belgrade shift between tender moments and powerful barrages of energy without effort or conflict. Vocalist Bill Curry might not always be quite on pitch, but in his case it works – a lot of RSB’s material has to do with mixed feelings, items like unrequited loathing or the dilemma of sadness or boredom. Full of depth and simplicity, Where the Sun Doesn’t Shine is a worthwhile find. Put It On A Cracker Records, 210 SW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601; http://www.redstarbelgrade.com
