By Steve Moody
This is good music disguised behind a facade of depressive pretentiousness. If the maudlin nature of the first track doesn’t discourage you, Tom McRae’s self-titled album will catch you off guard. While McRae’s guitar sounds are nothing unique, they are not cookie cutter coffeehouse gloom either. He blends solo guitar work with unusually uplifting instrumental orchestrations that dare to be almost optimistic. This disc is for anyone who cares to indulge in sadness without provoking suicidal tendencies.