The Art of Wasting Time

Boy do I have a treat for you! Bangkok Bertha turned me on to a band called Lost Weekend. They reside right here in Atlanta. Kinda strange that I had to hear about it from someone halfway around the world.

Scott Roberts (vocals, guitars, bass, mandolin, harmonica, aborted Jaymar, ubiquitous tambourine and writer of most all the songs) just happens to be the younger brother of a high school (and after) chum of mine from Orlando. It's a small world after all. I remember once way back in the olden days when Scott's brother Jeff heard me playing the grooves off of my new XTC English Settlement album. He remarked that his little brother thought that it was one of the best albums ever recorded. I must say that at the time I agreed. Never having met Scott I thought we would probably get along very well. He had great taste in music.

Fast forward almost 25 years and here I am listening to, and REALLY enjoying, Scott's own CD The Art of Wasting Time. He still has great taste in music. I read a couple of reviews that did it much more justice than I'm capable of. Those other reviews mention that the CD has an early R.E.M. feel to it. That immediately got my attention because I'm a huge fan of R.E.M. There are moments that are very reminiscent of that little old band from Athens.

The thing that stands out the most to me is the excellent guitar work. I can't stress enough how much I enjoy Scott's guitar on this CD. It blows me away! I am amazed that the guitars, and other strings, manage to have such a unique mood and feel on every song. I found myself going back again and again to hear certain guitar parts.

Mike Joswick, the drummer, lays down one of the strongest beats I think I've ever heard and he co-wrote Stapleton. The last song on the CD. Scott's wife, Sheri, provides one of the most angelic vocals I've ever heard on a song called Endless Summer. They even cover a Beatle song. Any band that attempts this opens themselves up for greater scrutiny in my book. Scott pulls it off with great care and finesse. He nails all the guitar parts which is rare. You can tell he's a true Beatles fan. Takes one to know one I suppose.

The other musicians include Steve Butler on bass, Kevin Glenn on banjo and Shannon Glenn on piano. The core seems to be Scott and Mike. Sort of like Steely Dan's Donald Fagen and Walter Becker.

If I had to find any fault with this CD it would be the recording quality. It doesn't seem to have the presence that this talent commands. I can't wait to hear these guys when they get into a bigger studio.

I thoroughly enjoy this CD and hope some of you will lay down a 10 spot and get a copy of your own. You can get it from IndepenDisc Music Club (and read a better review) or you can email Scott and get it directly (I hope you don't mind, Scott).

I've included a couple of MP3s for your listening pleasure. Please comment and let me know what you think.

Endless Summer (Scott Roberts) 4.3mb
I'll Be Back (Lennon/McCartney) 2.7mb