TIM LEE
Under The House (Paisley Pop)
Reviewed by Erick Mertz

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Tim Lee is a rock veteran of six critically acclaimed and wildly understated Windbreaker's albums. Following a break from the music business, he is back in the studio and touring with his first solo project, called Under the House, a charming, country rocker with more than a little of the shot-and-beer flair that makes Wilco so great.

Sometimes it sounds like Lee is just plain exhausted. For all of his asserting of that point, Under the House never wearies his listener's valuable ear. Somber dirges like "Without Action" characterize the album, creating a cohesive "anywhere is better than here" atmosphere. It is prevalent throughout, and with a Christian theme for good measure, the characters are dreaming, scheming, starry eyed wondering while looking off another exit down the road for the promise land.

There are some country rock cliches on Under The House - the driving south out of Memphis cliches - but for Lee in a button down gray work shirt, half opened and sweat drenched, there is an honest glow from the dashboard. Lee is one tired soul in search of salvation and his story is an interesting one.

© 2003 - Erick Mertz