Snow Tires by Unbunny

2004 release. Fifth album from Jarid del Deo (Unbunny/Nervous Plants) with help from old friends Steve Haruch, Gregg Porter (The Hotel Alexis/Milkweed), Julie Law-Linck, and Two Ton Santa Records' Guy Capecelatro III and new friends Paul Chastain (The Velvet Crush / Matthew Sweet / Menck & Chastain / Choo Choo Train / The Nines / The Stupid Cupids / The Big Maybe / Bag o' Shells) and Parasol's own Roy Ewing (Braid / Very Secretary / Days In December / Mary Me / lowercase n / Grand Theft Autumn Records co-owner). Recorded with Sidney Alexis (The Hotel Alexis), Paul Chastain, and The Rights (Rogue Wave).

With a wealth of highway miles in the rearview mirror, a tragic break-up heavy on his soul, and a final return to his Northeastern home, Jarid pulls away from it all with "Snow Tires"; a masterful new album intimately plumbing life's changes while growing musically and lyrically. This is one of those records we lifelong music fans dream about as it combines the fragility of Elliott Smith, the humanity of Neutral Milk Hotel, the melodic sensibility of Matthew Sweet, and the careworn metaphors of The Mendoza Line. "Snow Tires" is a confessional masterwork that flows like a page from a diary from an engaging artist who, after releasing consistently cool records on under-the-radar record labels (most of whom have dissolved just before or shortly after an Unbunny release - yikes!), will finally have an opportunity to reach a wider audience via Parasol's Hidden Agenda Records.

Jarid del Deo is a musical treasure whose time has come and whose heartrending melodies and homespun tunes will capture the hearts and minds of fans with an affection for the aforementioned bands as well as critical faves Sufjan Stevens and Iron And Wine and anyone who loves pulling for the underdog and then seeing him win by a nose.

A displaced musician, a broken heart, and - did I mention the children's choir? - all the ingredients are all here for a stupendous album. "Snow Tires" is a labor of love for both artist and listener, I cannot recommend this album any more highly.