Search - Jean-Paul Sartre Experience, Jean Paul Sartre Experience :: Size of Food

Absolutely wonderful

Michael O'Keefe | Swarthmore, PA United States | 04/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have no clue why it is that this album isn't universally recognized as a true classic. It's got three absolutely perfect songs: "Elemental", which is pure perfection in instrumental sound; "Shadows", quite possibly the most heartfelt and relaxing song ever written; and "Life inside a Window" which is slow-building and a very powerful closing song. The other seven (excepting the decent but unremarkable "Mothers") are excellent bits of quirky late-80s indie rock.If you've heard of this band it was undoubtedly through an interest in the New Zealand indie rock scene, centered around Flying Nun records. If you're at all fond of the other members of this scene, e.g. the Clean, the Chills, the Bats, Straitjacket Fits, etc., you're guaranteed to like the JPSE. The biggest factor distinguishing them from everyone else in that crowd is their lovely, shimmering instrumental sound. I'll admit that the singer's voice takes a bit of time to get used to, but the pure *sound* of this band is just hypnotic and captivating.The JPSE put out two other albums, 1988's "Love Songs" and 1993's "Bleeding Star". Both of these are also highly recommended, but you should start here, because "The Size of Food" is where the band shows its truly unique take on rock music. This is an album you shouldn't miss."