Often when a band finally has a hit, the next record comes out and has an appreciably slicker sound, and sometimes the ugly words "sell out" are muttered by fans.  Fastball appears to have travelled this path, though it seems they are not selling out as much as trying to consolidate the success of their second album. Thus, the level of professionalism, already high, has been ratcheted up to a level that gives the songs such a sheen, that you can pretty much see your reflection.  Strings and horns also pop in on some tracks, not to up the artistic ante, but more to give off a whiff of sophistication.  By dressing up in fancier clothes, Fastball's sound has become more generic, and this is not helped by a fair number of songs that adhere to the middle of the road.  Most of these well-crafted but uninspiring tracks clutter the first half of the disc, and the second half is more true to their talents. "Dark Street" is a plaintive acoustic number that avoids the bar band clichés of many other songs here.  The top track is "Funny How It Fades Away", which has spooky "Wichita Lineman"-like verses and a Smithereens-worthy chorus.  There are no stinkers here, but the disc could be a lot better.  Still, I'd rather see Fastball have a hit as opposed to Limp Bizkit.

MIKE BENNETT (4.5)
 
 

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