I've been a fan for a while, following this Chicago band through many years and many albums to arrive at what I believe to be the best yet (6th album). Bohb Blair says, "The music is pretty, like things you like to look at. It makes you happy, except for when it doesn't. It will change your mind, but only while you are paying attention." I have to agree. INFINITELY LISTENABLE!!!

Bohb Blair migrated to Chicago from a small town in Western Michigan back in the early 90s, and if you ask him where he's from now, the definitive answer is "CHICAGO." And it shows with the talent that plays with him on this record. During his career so far, he's had the opportunity to interact with some of Chicago's (and the nation's) finest artists doing sound and lights, producing, session musician, tour manager, event manager, and currently the Concept Director for Legacy Marketing ("experience brand love").

On this effort Bohb has brought together some of the best Chicago musicians to build the music with him, Tom Szidon (The Joy Poppers) on bass and backup vocals, Jason Batchko (The Girls, Caviar) on drums, John San Juan (Hushdrops) on guitar, Max Crawford on horns, and Susan Voelz (Poi Dog Pondering) on strings make up the collection of amazing talent that Bohb's assembled this time around. Susan Voelz did a great job on arranging and performing the strings parts, and the result is haunting, psychedelic, and mysterious.

My favorite songs so far are one hidden track (which I'll leave you to find), and "5am Nights." If you've ever had a 5am night... well, you'll just have to listen to this. "I sit and watch it all as the universe goes by... I know it's spinning round but my mind sees a straight line... and if I catch you for a while... hidden meaning in each smile... and whatever I mean to you, you make me feel younger too..."

It's simply great music, and this time around Bicycle, Tricycle's appeal and audience widens significantly. It's biggest strengths lie in its musical and lyrical layers and imagination, and the collection of musicians that you might not hear anywhere else. Other must listens are "Part of Being Bad", and "Perfect for a Girl."

I give it a solid A, and I encourage our readers to take a listen. Oh, and if you get a chance... head out to BicycleTricycle.com it's in my Internet favorites, and worth the read. It's music that makes you think, but not too hard... might hurt your brain.