Amplifier Magazine
April 2007

The Roches
Moonswept
429 records

The Roches' primary calling card has always been lovely sisterly harmonies, and while they also write well, this new CD's best songs are actually the ones they did not compose themselves. Nevertheless,
there is plenty of top-notch singing contained within, no matter the writer. A unique artist who goes by the name Paranoid Larry wrote "No Shoes", the clear highlight of this 14-track work. A musical essay against whining, it begins with the line: "I had no shoes and I complained / Until I met a man who had no feet." It continues along this escalating lyrical line until it seamlessly shifts from physical practicality to the philosophical realm; "I met a man who had no love and I complained / Until I met a man that had no hope." Paranoid Larry's second contribution, "Jesus Shaves", is not nearly so insightful, but its title alone makes it worth a listen. The title track was written by Suzzy Roche and is sure to sweep you off your feet. After over a decade of inactivity, it is a real treat to have the Roches back harmonizing together again.

- Dan Macintosh