Mike Gordon - The Green Sparrow August 3rd, 2008 - Sunday Paper (Atlanta) By Hal Horowitz Album Review - The Green Sparrow Slightly funky, slightly world beat, slightly folk-rock but mostly just slight, Mike Gordon's second post-Phish solo album never finds its elusive groove. Paul McCartney and Sting are notable exceptions, but talented bassists, especially ones with voices as shaky and unconvincing as Gordon's, usually don't make credible band leaders. His weak singing isn't unique or distinctive enough to prop up material as inconsequential as the folk-pop of "Pretend," the oblique Southern pop of "Traveled Much Too Far" or the jazzy bluegrass finger-picking of the acoustic "Andelman's Yard," the latter seemingly left over from one of the bassist's two previous collaborations with guitarist Leo Kottke. The beats and bass get frisky on the closing "Sound," even if the tune is too flimsy to support them. "Radar Blip" kicks off with a worthy bass line that seems like it's going to shift into high gear, but the track loses its way with a meandering melody and a forgettable chorus. To his credit, Gordon has abandoned the often endless jamming of Phish, preferring shorter, more compact originals often featuring bizarre, obtuse lyrics. Nothing here is offensive, and Gordon occasionally nails an upbeat, grin-inducing mood. That seldom lasts long, though, before he flits to something else on a wandering path in search of a destination. There are a few promising moments here that might resonate with a better singer or arranger, but not enough of them to justify 45 minutes of your time from another bassist who isn't yet prepared for frontman status. Article © 2008 Sunday Paper (Atlanta). All Rights Reserved.