SIGHTINGS/TOM SMITH - Gardens of War

Sightings love Tom Smith and To Live & Shave in L.A. with a tad too muchavidity. Tom Smith has a similar problem -جø¬-?? he loves the fuck out ofSightings. They first worked together in 1999, when TS supervised Sightingsrecording sessions in NYC. Tom produced a full-length album for the group in2000; featuring Andrew W.K. on keyboards, the project was unfortunatelyshelved. Guitarist Mark Morgan was to have joined TLASILA in 1999 (hefinally made it through the gate in 2004, as did AWK), and was also erasedfrom the line-up of Ohne prior to the launch of their 2002 European tour.(Nothing sinister, O sisters -جø¬-?? jus pesky post 9/11 visa hassles.) Theparties remained close, cordial. Flash forward to November 2003: Richard Hoffman, John Lockie, and theaforementioned Mr. Morgan convene with Mr. Smith at Sightings low-fibasement Brooklyn lair. TS records hours of material on his laptop, butlevels are too high, the sound far too digital (i.e., retro). The best stuffemerges from Mr. Hoffmans four-track cassette recordings. Sightings culltheir favorite tracks, and send mixes to Tom. TS tweaks everything for sixmonths, and hands the package off to Rat Bastard (also of TLASILA) formastering. Tom tweaks the mastered tracks for a few more weeks, and... Itaint perfect, but considering who these dudes are, its plenty perfectenough for you. - Smack Shire.