Murmurs - Pristine Smut

For their second album, the Murmurs decided to electrify their collegiate folk-pop and add a full rhythm section. Such an approach could have led to a standard-issue post-grunge affair, where the sound is grungy but glossy and the lyrics are too angst-ridden, but under the watchful eyes of producers k.d. lang and Larry Klein, the duo is steered toward adult alternative rock. So, the sound of Pristine Smut is, ironically, a little too clean and pristine -- it's shined and polished and now ready for radio. That style of production isn't necessarily suited to the Murmurs' introspective songs, but the match works well, especially since the songs on Pristine Smut are stronger than those on the duo's debut, which makes the occasional lapse into adult contemporary territory tolerable. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Name Credits Ben Mink Strings, Guitar, Arranger Dave Jensen Photography Eddy Schreyer Mastering Greg Leisz Pedal Steel, Mandolin Heather Grody Guitar, Vocals, Guitar (Electric) Jerry Marotta Drums k.d. lang Producer Larry Klein Bass, Guitar (Electric), Producer, Arranger, Organ (Hammond) Marc Ramaer Engineer Sheri Ozeki Bass Sherri Solinger Drums Skip Saylor Mixing, Engineer Teddy Borowiecki Keyboards Tim Stedman Design, Art Direction Todd Gallopo Design, Art Direction Tony Phillips Engineer, Mixing