Miles Kurosky - The Desert of Shallow Effects

Since Beulah broke up in 2004, I've been waiting patiently for a reunion or a solo album, or just some sign of life from the San Francisco indie-poppers. Finally, frontman Miles Kurosky has released his first post-Beulah solo album, The Desert of Shallow Effects. Unlike most debut solo albums where the musician tries to distance themselves from their former band, Kurosky embraces his love of pop music and pretty much gives his fans exactly what they want: a new Beulah album, featuring contributions from other members of Beulah, aka it couldn't get any better unless the album actually said "Beulah" on the front of it. Desert may be the catchiest album of 2010 thus far, with such gems as the trumpet-heavy "An Apple For An Apple" and the boppy keyboard and guitar combo of "I Can't Swim." Amidst all the pop, there is also a lot of subtle techniques bubbling underneath the slick sheen of Desert. The subtle tambourine and organs on "She Was My Dresden," the double-time hand drums on "The World Won't Last The Night," and the Beach Boys reminiscent harmonies on "Housewives And Their Knives" all highlight Kurosky's excellent songwriting abilities and show that there is more to him than just upbeat indie-pop. It's only been six years, but Kurosky's presence in the independent music scene has been sorely missed. Hopefully Desert is just the first of many great releases to come out of the Beulah camp.

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Recommended Tracks: "An Apple For An Apple," "Dead Language Blues," "I Can't Swim," "Dog In The Burning Building," "West Memphis Skyline."