The Pictorial Jackson Review is more evidence of Felt's odd approach to a career in rock music. Side one is eight songs in the classic indie pop vein -- the guitars ring loudly, Hammond organs swoop in and out, Lawrence's flat and reedy vocals sing songs of bitterness and irony. This is indie pop unequaled by any other band of their era, with each song as catchy and memorable as the last, and "Don't Die on My Doorstep" deserves extra credit for having one of the best song titles of the '80s. Then you flip the record over and are met by a 12-minute ambient piano piece. Martin Duffy presses softly on the keys and the melody that results is not unaffecting; in fact, it's kind of pretty in a new agey way. Still, you have to wonder what they were thinking. Careers are made by delivering what the people expect and only that, over and over, until they get bored and find the next big thing. Following your own path usually leads to nothing but heartbreak, poverty, and the occasional great pop record. Like this one. ~ Tim Sendra
