Kind of Like Spitting
The Thrill of the Hunt
Redder Records 

Releasing two full length albums in the span of 4 months, Ben Barnett is making quite a statement as an artist. In fact ever since 2002’s misguided Bridges Worth Burning (Barsuk), Barnett has made every effort to reform Kind of Like Spitting into an incorruptible outlet for his distinct musical vision. That means full control over his songs, from writing to recording to album artwork and track listing; if Barnett wants a drawing of a well endowed hunter chasing a kangaroo with a spear on the cover, then that is what will be on the cover (well, maybe not). Either way Barnett has rebounded quite nicely since his darker days on Barsuk Records. In the Red, his long awaited follow up to Bridges Worth Burning, was finally released in November 2005 on Hush Records to little fanfare, yet that seems to be how the Portland native prefers it. Barnett and his songs work best out of the limelight; his newest record, The Thrill of the Hunt, is a testament to this.

In fact, I will go as far as to say that the Thrill of the Hunt is the quintessential Kind of Like Spitting record. It is the musical embodiment of everything that the band has ever represented and stood for in its varied career; it is an un-compromising and honest extension of Barnett himself. Whether he is wearing his folk influences on his sleeve (Hands, If the Shoe Fits Cut the Foot Off) or covering Bad Religion (You), Barnett maintains a genuine authenticity to his music that elevates him above most all of his peers, Conor Oberst included. It is a level of honesty only reached by those who make the ultimate sacrifice, commercial viability for artistic vision.

Not only does the record showcase this rare quality but The Thrill of the Hunt also offers up a wealth of other surprises. The album’s title track and opener is a contribution completely written and performed by David J. of the band Novi Split. Later on in the record Barnett adds two more covers beside the aforementioned Bad Religion cover, adding his own unique perspective to classic Big Star (Thirteen) and Leon Russel (A Song For You) tracks. Coupled with the charming original Lay Some Happiness on Me and the fun Thing About Distance redux, these tracks add much replay value to the Thrill of the Hunt.

The most representative gateway to his vast and expansive back catalogue, I would recommend any new comer start with The Thrill of the Hunt and move on quickly to 2002’s 100 Dollar Room. Both of these records are at the top of the pile as far as I am concerned. With this latest album, Ben Barnett succeeds at his goal of making music on his own terms, and he does this without alienating or frustrating the listener. In fact, upon listening, you will wish your favorite band could be this honest.

MP3
Share the Road

Music Video
A Song for You

Websites
KOLS Myspace Page
Redder Records