Your Heart Is A Glorious Machine is the second record from the trio of beautiful singer songwriters that comprise Sometymes Why.  I like the title.  Its an apt fit for this “side” project (each singer also sings for a prominent string band ensemble- Uncle Earl, Crooked Still, and the Mammals).  The idea behind Sometymes Why is to provide an outlet for the more personal songs of each of three members, that may not fit in with their string band groups.  Your Heart Is A Glorious Machine. The imagery is mirrored on the cover art, but is it an accusation or a compliment?  The ten songs on the album run the gamut of emotions. Sex, marriage, and lust are all featured and not always from same viewpoint.
The sound of the record itself is far more produced than 2005″s self titled debut, which was recorded in 24 hours in an upstate New York studio, which is the way all debut albums should be recorded. Â Fueled by wine and sleep deprivation, their debut was a dark record that evoked an austere landscape with its use of bare acoustic guitar, glockenspiel, ukulele, wurlitzer, piano, harmonica, and other unusual instruments. Â The resulting record combined with their mythical and often cult inducing live shows created a buzz about the band that is more than fulfilled with YHIAGM . Â YHIAGM rocks in way that the folk-noir of their debut never online casino canada attempted. Â The production is cleaner and more dynamic, but manages to hold onto everything that makes the group great, namely the heavenly harmonizing of the 3 member”s voices together (the group took special care to record a couple of songs huddle around one microphone together, a method that their live show also features). Â However, what makes me keep pressing repeat on the stereo is that this record, like their live shows, is fun. Â The band seems to be reveling in the songs and performances, genuinely happy about the indie, alt. country sound they are embracing in contrast to their standard string band configurations.
Overall its easily one of my favorite records of 2009 thus far. Highly, highly recommended.  Either buy the record or go see them live or better yet both.  Here is their myspace http://www.myspace.com/sometymeswhy
About the author: Specializes in Dead, Drunk, and Nakedness..... Former College Radio DJ and Current Craft Beer Nerd