[2/5] Regardless of how much us reviewer-types like to over-analyze music in 150 words or less, when it comes down to it, listening to a record should be an enjoyable experience, not a chore. Unfortunately, that's exactly how to describe the process of attempting to sit through Califone's Roots & Crowns. Equal parts rootsy rock and avant-folk, the pretentious pap which permeates the disc is both self-indulgent and unfocused: Byrdsian tracks like "The Orchids" are juxtaposed by the Jim O'Rourke-esque "The Eye You Lost In The Crusades" or, worse yet, the electronica-tinged "Black Metal Valentine," which sounds like a third-rate outtake from Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Amazingly, despite all this diversity, there's not a single song that's captivating enough to hold our attention. In other words, we're sure Pitchfork will love it. (DRAG CITY) Jonah Bayer
 Official Website: http://www.dragcity.com
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