Radiogram

Vancouver country dreamers Radiogram return with their second record, a more polished, slicker and fuller album that still features the lovely songwriting of singer Ken Beattie, but that is overcome by a stateliness unsuited to the material. All the elements in the alt-country songbook are there, but one: the fiery punk rock passion that made it seem so bad ass. Instead, guests like Carolyn Mark, Jesse Zubot (without Dawson), and Bob Egan (Wilco, Oh Susanna) all play their parts beautifully, even perfectly. The band too, is polished from some extensive touring and experience under their belt. Surely some rougher edges will be let fly on this month's cross-Canada tour, something the band has overworked out of much of this promising record.