Mysteries Of Life – Come Clean
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Posted On November 1, 1998
“Nothing here is unfamiliar, but everything is remarkably new.” Or so reads the accompanying label-penned hype for the newest disc from Midwestern popsters Mysteries Of Life. Indeed: About six months ago, RCA sent out advance CDs of what was then intended to be Come Clean. But that version never made it to the stores.
Hence my familiarity with the material when Come Clean (version 2.0) landed on my desk. Not everything on the new model was “remarkably new,” but if you have an interest in keeping score, here’s the totals: four songs deleted, five added and (at least) three altered in one way or another.
One of those new tracks, “Downhill”, serves as the album’s first single and provides the most (relatively) rocking moments. Opening with guitar chording that recalls some of Matthew Sweet’s finer intros, lead Mystery man Jake Smith has a little fun with the aging process, following lines such as “Sunspot right on time/Almost past my prime” and “Slingshot missed by a mile/Almost out of style” with “It’s all downhill from here.”
But it’s the confessional trilogy of songs that opens the record that initially grabbed me six months ago (all have been slightly modified for the better here), and still keeps me coming back. The title track, “Tell Me” and “Let It Slip” (first found on last year’s Anonymous Tip EP) continue Smith’s thematic obsession with all things clandestine in nature, or the fallout that occurs when that secrecy becomes exposed.
But despite the deceptive nature of the subject matter, the tunes are delivered with such aplomb that you’re still left with a confectionery buzz. In fact, all the material here comes off as pure pop — unassuming and subtle, but focused and highly melodic, all digestible in less-than-four-minute hooky capsules.
Everything is clean, simple and tightly played. Freda Love’s drumming is as spot-on as any you’ll come across, while Geraldine Haas’ always-lovely cello strains elegantly embellish the songs. Dale Lawrence (of the Vulgar Boatmen) nabs MVP honors for keyboard, harmonica and vocal contributions.
