Another Frankenstein's monster - sounds like two different bands - which is actually true. Many of the songs on this record are old The Strawmen songs with other songs being more backlogged material from the Island album era. The all-out rockers here are killer: the Zeppelin-esque "Woody," the bluesy "Nuts For You," and the what-freakin-ever-esque "Pray Naked." But most of the rest of the record is rather melancholy - almost icy - like the white album cover. Stylistically the bulk of the album owes more to The La's than anything else: "Phony Eyes," "Happy Roy" (a tribute to Roy Orbison), "The Rain Kept Falling In Love."

Missing is Mark Tootle's clever wordplay and ear for hooks and when this record first came out, the change was palpable. At first listen it might even seem a little oatmeal. Repeated listenings tend to pull out all the texture and craftsmanship in each little pop nugget - a satisfying listen for what is honestly a rather uneven album. Probably the most atypical release in the group's catalogue.

This also marks a continuing tradition concerning titles: "Frames Without Photographs" (1987), "Love Without Dreams (1990), and "Kites Without Strings" (1992).

track listing: Woody Smiley Smile Phony Eyes Kites Without Strings Happy Roy Deep End The Rain Kept Falling In Love Holy Hold Look Nuts For You Pray Naked Self-made Trap personnel: Mike Roe - guitar, lead vocals David Leonhardt - guitar, vocals Mark Harmon - bass, vocals Aaron Smith - pounding and thrashing into oblivion