Bad Books is a collaboration between Kevin Devine and Atlanta-based band Manchester Orchestra, who met three years ago while on tour with Brand New. Listening to the 35-minute set, I was reminded of another more famous indie “super group,” Monsters of Folk. Like the MoF, this group doesn’t have a strong identity that stands alone outside of their main projects. Bad Books alternates between gentler acoustics and rousing rock songs. Several songs have a soft-spoken acoustic sound, very reminiscent of Elliott Smith. “Baby Shoes” has a strong Grandaddy vibe, while “I Begged You Everything” bears as strong resemblance to a confessional Conor Oberst ballad. While lacking in cohesiveness, this is a great folk-rock album that chooses to cover all its bases and for the most part, succeeds. – Written by DBosket
SIMILAR | Brendan Benson, Death Cab for Cutie, Conor Oberst, Elliott Smith, Wilco