The Ike Reilly Assassination - Junkie Faithful/Sparkle In The Finish

There is something terribly sincere about Ike Reilly's music that makes it slightly tragic. Where bands like Everclear were able to make pop-punk music with tongue firmly in cheek, Reilly doesn't seem to be in on the joke. As such, Whatever Happened To The Girl In Me? - whilst attempting to get in on Weezer's geek-rock scene - comes across as quite ridiculous. The changes in tempo during It's Alright To Die, meanwhile, are horribly mistimed, and The Boat Song (We're Getting Loaded) is a bit like your dad trying to be cool. For a man often compared to the likes of Beck and Eels, this double album is distinctly disappointing. To even cherrypick the best from either CD would produce an average EP at best. Tame lyrics, uninspired musical arrangements and a fatal lack of humour make this reissue very poor listening. [Neal Parsons]